Double garage and land at Genesis House, 37 Woodlands Road, SURBITON, KT6 6PR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Southborough Conservation Area
• The effect of the design and layout of the proposed dwelling on the living conditions of future occupiers with respect to sunlight, daylight and outlook

What decided it

The proposed dwelling would cause less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Southborough Conservation Area through its prominent location, incongruous design and failure to reflect the local pattern of development, which could not be outweighed by the limited public benefits.

The harm to the conservation area, although less than substantial, could not be outweighed by the benefits of housing delivery and construction employment; the tilted balance did not apply because heritage asset protection policies provided a clear reason for refusal despite the lack of five-year housing land supply.