38 Robin Hood, The Flat, Sydenham Road, Guildford, GU1 3RT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether there would be unacceptable harm through the demolition of a locally listed building
• whether the proposal would fail to preserve the character or appearance of the Guildford Town Centre Conservation Area and so harm its significance
• whether it would prejudice the redevelopment of the neighbouring allocated site
• whether it would have a likely significant effect, when considered alone or in combination with other plans and projects, on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (the SPA)

What decided it

The public benefits of housing delivery and economic/employment benefits, combined with the clear and convincing justification for demolition arising from the building's unviability for repair or retention, outweighed the less than substantial harm (at the lowest end of the scale) to the conservation area and the loss of the locally listed building.

The public benefits (housing delivery, economic and employment benefits) outweighed the less than substantial harm, at the lowest end of the scale, to the significance of the conservation area, and a balanced judgement justified the loss of significance of the locally listed, non-designated heritage asset.