The Cottage Station Road, Robertsbridge, TN32 5DB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed boundary treatment would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Robertsbridge and Northbridge Street Conservation Area
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety
• whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupants of the proposed dwelling and occupants of The Cottage, with particular regard to outdoor amenity space

What decided it

The less than substantial but considerable harm to the conservation area's significance, combined with highway safety concerns and inadequate outdoor amenity space, could not be outweighed by the moderate public benefits of housing delivery, and the conservation area's protected status provided a clear reason for refusal under the Framework's tilted balance.

the less than substantial harm to the conservation area's significance and the public benefits of housing delivery were weighed, but the harm was not outweighed by the benefits; additionally, highway safety and living conditions concerns independently justified refusal