29 Slough Road, Datchet, Slough, SL3 9AP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be in a suitable location for residential development having regard to flood risk, including the provisions of the sequential and exceptions tests
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of Nos. 28 and 29 Ruscombe Gardens
• The effect of the proposal on nearby trees
• Whether the proposal would secure sufficient biodiversity net gain and avoid harm protected and priority species
• Whether the proposal complies with adopted policy having regard to climate change

What decided it

The proposal fails the sequential test for flood risk and would introduce residential development in an area at high probability of flooding without adequate flood resilience measures or safe egress, which is a clear reason for refusal under the Framework.

Although the proposal would provide 6 residential units and economic and social benefits afforded moderate weight, these do not outweigh the failure to satisfy the sequential flood risk test, harm to character and appearance, harm to living conditions of neighbouring properties, and insufficient evidence of biodiversity net gain and tree protection, particularly as the site's flood risk designation removes the presumption in favour of sustainable development.