Former Jolly Boatman and land adjoining Hampton Court Station, Hampton Court Way, East Molesey, KT8 9AE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on the historic environment
• whether the proposal would make sufficient provision for affordable housing
• the effect of the proposal on highway networks and the extent to which it would support the objective of promoting sustainable transport
• the effect of the proposal on public open space
• the effect of the proposal on the East Molesey (Kent Town) Conservation Area

What decided it

Appeal A was decided on its overall accordance with the development plan, supported by significant housing, heritage and highway benefits, while Appeal B was decided on the public benefits of avoiding phased construction and reduced on-street parking outweighing the temporary, reversible harm to open space and the conservation area.

Appeal A: no significant development plan conflicts were found and significant benefits (housing, affordable housing, heritage enhancement and highway improvements) supported approval; Appeal B: temporary and reversible harm to open space and the conservation area, though of considerable importance, was outweighed by public benefits of a shorter overall construction period and reduced on-street parking demand.