182-186 Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5NS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area
• whether the proposed development would preserve the settings of adjacent Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings, and the extent to which the development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Wateringbury Conservation Area
• whether a satisfactory standard of accommodation would be provided for future residents, with particular regard to internal space standards, noise and open space provision
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to loss privacy, outlook and daylight
• whether satisfactory parking would be provided
• the effect of the proposed development on air and water quality
• whether an appropriate housing mix would be provided
• whether adequate waste storage would be provided

What decided it

The less-than-substantial harm to the significance of designated heritage assets and the conservation area, combined with failures to provide satisfactory living conditions and parking provision, could not be justified by the moderate benefit of housing delivery in a district with insufficient five-year supply.

the moderate benefit of 9 additional dwellings and limited economic benefits did not outweigh the considerable importance and weight attached to the less-than-substantial harm to heritage assets and the conservation area, and the harm to living conditions of future and neighbouring residents