3 Dell Lane, Stoneleigh, Surrey, KT17 2NE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the neighbouring occupiers of Nos 84 and 86 Briarwood Road with regard to outlook and privacy
• whether the proposed development would accord with the Council's development plan strategy for housing with regard to loss of employment use
• whether any adverse effects of the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance combined with unacceptable harm to neighbouring privacy, when weighed against moderate housing benefits in the context of the tilted balance, resulted in adverse effects that significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.

The significant harm to character and appearance and privacy carried significant weight against the scheme; the loss of employment use was offset to some degree by an extant permission for conversion to a single dwelling; the proposal's contribution of nine dwellings and associated social and economic benefits carried moderate weight; the adverse effects significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits when assessed against the Framework as a whole.