41A George Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1RJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the East Cliff Conservation Area
• the principle of development, with regards to the loss of an employment site
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of future occupiers, with particular regard to outlook, daylight, ventilation and privacy

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the conservation area, combined with the loss of employment use without evidence of marketing and inadequate living conditions for future occupiers, outweighed the limited benefits of one additional dwelling, and the heritage asset protection in NPPF paragraph 11d(i) prevented the tilted balance from applying.

The public benefits of one additional dwelling and minor economic benefits were outweighed by the less than substantial harm to the conservation area, the loss of an employment site without evidence of marketing, and the inadequate living conditions for future occupiers.