38 Clarence Street,, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1NR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal represents an acceptable form of development having regard to its flood zone location and the provisions of the development plan
• 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
• the effect of the proposals on the character and appearance of the area, including the effect on the significance and character of 40c Clarence Street
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of future occupiers of the proposal with particular regard to the provision of communal amenity space, and outlook in the event of future development at the adjoining site
• whether the proposal would provide future occupiers with adequate living conditions having regard to the design and location of the main residential entrance
• the effect of the proposed car parking provision on highway safety
• whether the proposal can demonstrate compliance with fire safety standards

What decided it

The proposal's failure to satisfy the Sequential Test for flood risk, combined with the absence of family housing provision and lack of communal amenity space, resulted in harm that significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits of housing delivery.

the harm identified in respect of flooding, housing mix and communal amenity space weighed very heavily against the proposals, and the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of housing supply and efficient land use