642 Mile End Road, LONDON, E3 4LH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Conservation Area
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular reference to daylight, sunlight, privacy, and outlook
• whether the proposal would provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers of the scheme, with particular reference to the provision of internal space, and the provision of private amenity space
• the effect of the proposal with respect to pedestrian safety and sustainable transport

What decided it

The combined planning harm identified across all four main issues—particularly the less than substantial but considerable harm to the conservation area and the unacceptable harm to neighbouring living conditions—was very significant and could not be outweighed by the moderate benefits of housing delivery and site intensification.

The moderate weight given to the benefits of providing two residential units, contributing to housing mix, and making use of an underused site did not outweigh the very significant combined harm to the conservation area, neighbouring living conditions, future occupier amenity, and sustainable transport provision.