Church Lane, Castle Hedingham, Essex

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the site and the surrounding area, with particular reference to the Castle Hedingham Conservation Area
• Whether the development would provide adequate living conditions for future residents, with particular reference to amenity space and parking provision
• Whether the development would provide safe access for all users of the proposal and the public highway

What decided it

The material harm to the Castle Hedingham Conservation Area caused by the incongruous design features, particularly the balcony and roof lights, was not outweighed by the limited public benefits of the proposal, and the development would fail to provide adequate living conditions and safe access.

The less-than-substantial harm to the Conservation Area was weighed against the limited public benefits of providing an additional dwelling and bringing a derelict site back into use, but the harm was not outweighed, particularly given the considerable importance and weight of the statutory duty to preserve or enhance the Conservation Area.