67 Victoria Road, Surbiton, KT6 4NR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the principle of residential development in this location is acceptable; specifically, in relation to the loss of employment space
• Whether the proposal would offer an appropriate mix of housing to meet local need
• The effect of the proposal on highway safety in relation to the provision of vehicle parking spaces
• Whether the proposal makes adequate provision for refuse and recycling storage, and meets with requirements for internal water use
• Whether the proposal would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupants of the development

What decided it

The poor quality of living accommodation, which would fall short of the expected standard of living conditions, eroded the weight to be given to the modest contribution to unmet housing need, as any such accommodation must be of an adequate standard.

The significant unmet housing need and efficient use of land weighed in favour, but the loss of employment land without adequate marketing evidence and the substandard living conditions weighed against; the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.