35 Barfield Road, West Mersea, Colchester, CO5 8QX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be appropriate with regard to the character and appearance of the area
• whether the proposal would be appropriate with regard to the living conditions of the occupiers of number 35A, with particular regard to a reduced back garden and any noise and disturbance arising from the intensification in use of the adjacent access
• whether the proposal would be appropriate with regard to the living conditions provided for future occupiers of the proposed dwelling, with particular regard to private outside space and any noise, vibration and other disturbance, especially during unsocial hours
• whether the proposal would be appropriate with regard to the adequacy of arrangements for car parking and providing for a safe and suitable means of access
• whether the proposal would be appropriate with regard to the mitigation for additional demand upon sports and recreation and other community facilities and for increased impacts upon protected European nature conservation sites

What decided it

The unsafe and unsuitable means of access combined with the incongruous character and appearance harm collectively outweighed the minor benefits of the proposal.