37-41 High Street, HASLEMERE, GU27 2JY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would represent a satisfactory standard of accommodation for future occupiers, with particular reference to outlook and the provision of amenity space
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties, with particular reference to privacy
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the proposal would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area, with particular reference to its scale, mass and design and also its effect on trees
• The effect of the proposal on the setting of Tudor Cottage, a Grade II listed building
• The effect of the proposed development on the integrity of the Wealden Health Phase ll Special Protection Area (SPA) and on the interest features for which the Devil's Punch Bowl Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Bramshott and Ludshott Commons SSSI have been notified

What decided it

The proposal could adversely affect the integrity of the Wealden Heaths Phase II Special Protection Area with no mitigation measures secured, which is an overriding consideration that cannot be outweighed by the housing benefits.

The provision of much-needed homes in an area without five-year housing land supply and potential to meet identified need for smaller affordable homes would be of significant weight, but this is outweighed by the overriding consideration of potential adverse effects on SPA integrity without secured mitigation, combined with the unacceptable standard of accommodation, harm to neighbouring living conditions, and less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets to which great weight must be given.