29, 30 & 30A Brackendale Close, CAMBERLEY, GU15 1HP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• whether there would be sufficient on-site car parking and the effect on highway safety and the free flow of traffic
• whether there would be sufficient private outside amenity space for occupiers of the apartments
• whether there would be acceptable on-site waste storage facilities
• the effect of the development on surrounding trees
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area
• whether the development would provide the requisite number of affordable homes and the provision of improved pedestrian crossing facilities at the entrance of Brackendale Close

What decided it

The very significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, caused by the building's dominant and oppressive scale, massing and position relative to the street-scene, and the extensive car parking and hardstanding fronting the roads, could not be outweighed by the benefits of 100% affordable housing provision.

The very positive weight afforded to the provision of 100% affordable housing and associated social and economic benefits was not collectively of sufficient weight to outweigh the very significant harm caused to the character and appearance of the area.