Land at Cavendish Place, Guildford, GU2 8NJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effects of the proposal on the ecological value of the site and implications, if any, on the Broadstreet Common Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI)
• whether the scheme would be provided with satisfactory means of surface water drainage
• the effects of the proposal on trees within and adjoining the site
• whether the scheme would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers
• whether safe and convenient access could be provided and whether there would be any effect on the parking provision for Cavendish Place residents
• the effects of the proposal on the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (TBH SPA)

What decided it

The material harm to the character and appearance of the area through loss of the woodland pocket and trees, combined with unresolved ecological concerns and reliance on inadequate off-site biodiversity compensation, conflicts with the development plan and outweighs the public benefits of housing delivery.

The conflict with the development plan regarding character and appearance, trees and biodiversity was not outweighed by the public benefit of 10 flats contributing to local housing stock and meeting identified need for smaller homes, nor by limited economic benefits from construction.