66 Beechwood Road, Caterham, CR3 6NB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect upon the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the proposal would provide for a satisfactory living environment for future residents
• The effect upon biodiversity
• The effect upon the living conditions of the occupiers of the neighbouring property at 68A Beechwood Road, with particular regard to sunlight

What decided it

The absence of an up-to-date bat survey and inability to rule out the presence of European protected species, combined with moderate harm to character and appearance and living conditions, meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the housing supply benefits even under the tilted balance.

The significant weight given to housing delivery (12 new dwellings in a location with only 1.71 years' supply) was outweighed by considerable weight given to potential adverse effects on protected bat species, moderate harm to character and appearance, and moderate harm to the living environment of future residents, resulting in the conclusion that the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.