303 Histon Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 3NF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area with particular regard to its design and scale
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with respect to privacy, with regard to the flank window towards 305 Histon Road and noise effects in regard to the position of the ASHP
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupiers with regard to the provision of external space available to flats 3, 4, 7 and 8
• The effect of the proposal on highway matters leading to whether the proposal would function well
• Whether the proposal would suitably address flood related matters (Scheme A only)
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with respect to privacy, from the proposed balconies towards No 305 and properties of Tavistock Road (Scheme A only)
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupiers with regard to the size of flats 5 and 6 (Scheme A only)

What decided it

The substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area caused by the scale, mass and design of the building, which conflicts with the development plan and National Design Guide, outweighed the moderate benefits of housing delivery on a site where the Council can demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply.

The moderate benefits of housing delivery (8 net dwellings on previously developed land), sustainable energy features, and local economic benefits were outweighed by the substantial harm to character and appearance in conflict with the development plan, the National Design Guide and the Framework.