Velindre, 48 Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7BS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the proposed loss of family-sized accommodation is acceptable, having regard to local and national planning policy
• whether or not the proposal complies with Policy H16 of the LP, including consideration of the applicability of the policy
• whether or not the proposal makes adequate provision for affordable housing
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, including the effect on the significance of the ASC, and on trees
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties, in regard to overlooking and sense of enclosure
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety and the efficient operation of the highway network in the vicinity of the appeal site, with particular regard to on-street car parking
• whether or not the proposal achieves acceptable levels of fire safety, having regard to local and national planning policy

What decided it

The benefits of new housing delivery, economic activity and biodiversity/greening enhancements substantially outweighed the moderate conflict with policies protecting family housing and large gardens, leading to overall compliance with the development plan as a whole.

The many and weighty benefits (housing provision, economic factors, biodiversity and ecological enhancements) outweighed the moderate harm from conflict with policies restricting loss of family housing and large gardens, so the proposal complies with the development plan as a whole.