Land To Front Of Kemps Close, Junction of Hare Street Road to Dassells Hill, Hare Street Road, Buntingford, SG9 0DZ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, having particular regard to whether it would preserve the setting of the adjacent grade II listed buildings, Thatch Cottage and Kemps Cottage and the milestone opposite the post office
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to outlook
• whether the proposal would provide satisfactory living conditions for its future occupants, with particular regard to outlook
• the effect of the proposal on biodiversity and protected species

What decided it

The adverse impacts of the proposal on character and appearance, neighbouring and future occupant living conditions, and the lack of information on biodiversity effects, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the moderate benefits of housing delivery and efficient land use, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.

The adverse impacts on character and appearance, living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and future occupants, and unresolved biodiversity concerns were given significant weight and significantly and demonstrably outweighed the moderate benefits of five additional dwellings and efficient use of previously developed land, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.