The Mechanics Arms, 123 Clouds Hill Road, Bristol , BS5 7LH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development upon the social well-being of the local community
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of occupiers of existing properties, with regard to privacy and outlook
• whether the proposal provides adequate living conditions for future occupiers with respect to outlook, light, access, refuse storage and cycle parking provision
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the existing building and surrounding area

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate that the public house facilities do not need to be retained to serve the local community, combined with harm to neighbouring living conditions and inadequate provision for future occupiers' access to storage facilities, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited benefit of six additional housing units.

The provision of six additional housing units, contributing to housing supply in a sustainable location, attracted limited weight and was significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the failure to protect a valued community facility, harm to neighbouring amenity, and inadequate living conditions for future occupiers, resulting in the proposal not comprising sustainable development.