Victoria Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 3AF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the proposed development on the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupiers and existing occupiers with particular regard to 12 and 14 Upper Gladstone Road
• Highway Safety

What decided it

The proposal would have an adverse effect on the integrity of the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation without effective mitigation, which provides a clear reason for refusal that disapplies the presumption in favour of sustainable development under paragraph 182 of the Framework.

Although the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the application of policies relating to habitats sites provides a clear reason for refusal, and the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply where a plan or project is likely to have a significant effect on a habitats site without an appropriate assessment concluding no adverse effect on integrity; the harm to the internationally important habitats site and the public and permanent harm to character and appearance outweigh any other considerations.