Higher Riverdale Exe Street, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0JL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, and the extent to which it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Topsham Conservation Area
• whether the proposed development would provide satisfactory living conditions for the future occupants having regard to the quality of outdoor private amenity space, and outlook
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of both future occupiers and the occupiers of neighbouring residential properties having regard to privacy

What decided it

The less than substantial but considerable harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area through the use of incongruent aluminium windows, combined with failure to provide satisfactory living conditions due to inadequate outdoor amenity space and restricted outlook, was not outweighed by the moderate housing benefits, and the heritage policies in the Framework provided a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11(d)(i).

The less than substantial harm to the conservation area and failure to provide satisfactory living conditions were not outweighed by the moderate housing benefits of a single dwelling, and heritage policies provided a strong reason for refusal despite the Council's inability to demonstrate five-year housing land supply.