107, Lichfield Road, Walsall, WS3 3LU

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect on highway and pedestrian safety, with particular regard to the proposed visibility vehicular and pedestrian splays at the access, the use of the shared space roadway and the manoeuvring of refuse vehicles
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with regard to privacy and noise and disturbance
• the effect of the proposal on the operation of the adjacent education facilities in the area
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of future occupiers with respect to land contamination
• the effect of the proposed development on the integrity of the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

What decided it

The substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area, highway and pedestrian safety, and living conditions of neighbouring occupiers significantly and demonstrably outweighed the modest housing supply benefits, even under the tilted balance.

the modest benefits of housing delivery and economic activity were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by substantial harm to character and appearance, highway safety and neighbour living conditions, with the tilted balance engaged but not sufficient to tip in favour of the proposal