14 Handforth Close, Thelwall, WARRINGTON, WA4 2JR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the access would be safe and suitable for all users
• Whether the proposal would safeguard the living conditions of future occupiers of the proposed dwelling and neighbouring occupiers of 1, 3 and 5 Prestbury Drive and 14 Handforth Close, with particular regard to outlook and privacy

What decided it

The unacceptable risks to highway safety arising from the proposed use of the access, which would emerge at a junction with significantly impeded visibility and require drivers to emerge blind to road users on the adjacent pavement.

The modest economic and environmental benefits of providing one additional dwelling did not outweigh the considerable social harm identified, particularly the risk to highway safety, and the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits when assessed against the Framework taken as a whole.