34 Douglas Road, HORNCHURCH, RM11 1AR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to the adequacy of living and amenity space, outlook, and access to and provision of communal space
• The effect of the proposed development on neighbours' living conditions, with particular regard to whether it would be overbearing or create an unacceptable sense of enclosure, would lead to unacceptable overlooking, or would cause unacceptable noise disturbance as a result of comings and goings
• Whether the proposed development would include adequate provision of family housing
• Whether the proposed development would make adequate provision in respect of car parking for future occupiers

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance, failure to provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers, adverse impact on neighbours' living conditions, loss of family housing, and inadequate parking provision, when weighed against the limited housing benefits, meant the harm significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits under the tilted balance.

The limited social and economic benefits of providing six flats (which would not substantially increase occupancy compared to the existing family dwelling) were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the substantial harm to character and appearance, unacceptable living conditions for future occupiers, adverse impact on neighbours' living conditions, loss of family housing, and inadequate parking provision creating highway safety risks.