Land West of 1 and 3 Eastcourt Road, Southcourt Road, Worthing, BN14 7DA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the living conditions of occupants of 1 and 3 Eastcourt Road with particular regard to outlook, sunlight, daylight, noise and disturbance
• the living conditions of future occupants of the proposed development

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance, neighbouring living conditions, and inadequate living conditions for future occupants substantially and demonstrably outweighed the limited housing and sustainability benefits, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.

The social, economic and environmental benefits of providing one small dwelling unit in a sustainable location with good accessibility carried limited weight, but were substantially outweighed by significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, significant harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupants, and failure to provide acceptable accommodation and private outdoor amenity space for future occupants.