19 Romsey Road, Benfleet, SS7 5TP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the streetscene and the locality
• the effect on neighbouring occupiers
• the extent of outdoor amenity space
• the extent of the proposed internal space living space
• the extent of the provision of parking space
• is there mitigation in accordance with the council's adopted Essex Coast Recreational Disturbance Avoidance and Mitigation Strategy (RAMS)

What decided it

The failure to provide satisfactory mitigation for likely significant effects on European designated habitats sites under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 provides a clear reason for refusal under NPPF paragraph 11(d)(i), displacing the tilted balance.

Had mitigation been provided, the adverse impacts of the development (poor design, character harm, neighbour amenity loss and inadequate outdoor space) would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits (marginal housing delivery of 2 dwellings and limited economic and environmental gains) when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole.