98 Maple Road, Surbiton, London, KT6 4AL

demolition of existing two storey building and erection of four storey building, basement excavation with front and rear lightwells and creation of 8 self-contained flats (3 x 3-bed and 4 x 2-bed) all with private terraces and a communal terrace at roof level. Provision on of secure internal refuse and cycle storage

Authority: Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Pattison B

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposals on the character and appearance of the area with particular regard to the setting of the nearby Cadogan Road Conservation Area
the effect of the proposed car parking provision on highway safety
whether the proposal would provide satisfactory cycle parking
the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of future occupiers of the proposal with particular regard to outlook in the event of future development at the adjoining site
whether or not the proposal makes adequate provision for family housing, taking account of the relevant policies of the development plan, the location of the site and the housing needs of the borough

What decided it

The unacceptable adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area through the proposal's disproportionate built form with excessive site coverage and depth, combined with the absence of a Section 106 obligation to secure a Travel Plan and parking restrictions, meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the moderate benefits of housing delivery.

The moderate social and economic benefits of housing delivery and residential intensification on brownfield land were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the very heavy weight of harm to character and appearance and the policy conflicts relating to highway safety and design quality.

Framework references: 115

Plan policies cited: Policy D3 of the London Plan (2021), Policy DM10 of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy (2012), Policy HC1 of the London Plan, Policy DM12 of the Core Strategy, Policy DM8 of the Core Strategy, Policy DM9 of the Core Strategy, Policy T6 of the London Plan (2021), Policy T6.1 of the London Plan (2021), Policy T5 of the London Plan, Policy D6 of the London Plan, Policy DM13 of the Core Strategy

Judgments cited: Holborn Studios Ltd v The Council of the London Borough of Hackney [2017] EWHC 2823 (Admin)

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.