3 Park Cottages Tanyard Hill, Shorne, Gravesend, DA12 3LF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed development would preserve and enhance the character of the Chestnut Green Conservation Area and setting of the Homewood Cottages group of Grade II Listed Buildings
• Whether the proposed development would provide adequate living conditions, with particular regard to internal space
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupiers of bungalows at Racefield Close, with particular regard to privacy

What decided it

The harm to the significance of the listed buildings and character of the conservation area through infilling the important gap between terraces, combined with inadequate internal space standards, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the modest housing and economic benefits even under the tilted balance.

The substantial shortfall in housing land supply engaged the tilted balance, but the modest benefits of one dwelling, efficient land use, local employment and finance were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the adverse impacts on heritage assets and living conditions of the extension occupants.