Land S of Kingfield Road and E of Westfield Avenue, Westfield Avenue Westfield, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9PF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Appeal A: The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the street-scene and the surrounding area
• Appeal A: Whether the proposed development would provide an acceptable and appropriate mix of dwelling types, and whether it would create a sustainable and balanced community
• Appeal A: The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of nearby residents, with particular reference to overbearing impact, loss of privacy and loss of daylight
• Appeal A: Transport matters and the effect of the proposed development on parking provision and the impact of possible overspill parking
• Appeal A: Whether the Planning Development Agreement would adequately and satisfactorily address the impacts of the proposed development
• Appeal B: The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area as a result of the loss of protected trees and woodland
• Appeal B: Whether the Planning Development Agreement would adequately and satisfactorily address the impacts of the proposed development

What decided it

The harm to character and appearance combined with the failure to provide an appropriate housing mix/sustainable community (Appeal A), and the loss of protected woodland (Appeal B), outweighed the benefits and were not overcome by the planning obligations, so both proposals conflicted with the development plan.

For both appeals the identified benefits (affordable and market housing, design, economic benefits, planning obligations, health club/stadium provision) were outweighed by the harms found (significant harm to character/appearance and substantial harm from failure to secure a sustainable and balanced community mix for Appeal A; moderate harm from loss of protected woodland for Appeal B), so the balance favoured a decision in line with the development plan, i.e. refusal in both cases.