Land rear of Londis Convenience Store, High Street, Chieveley, RG20 8UR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of the River Lambourn SAC
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, with specific regard to the Chieveley Conservation Area and the North West Downs National Landscape
• whether the quantum and functionality of the proposed private outdoor space would provide future occupiers with adequate living conditions
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of existing occupiers of Bakers Flat and Southleigh Flat, with respect to privacy

What decided it

The proposed development would be likely to have a significant effect on the integrity of the River Lambourn SAC, and the Unilateral Undertaking did not provide sufficient certainty that the proposed mitigation would be effectively secured, contrary to the Habitat Regulations.

The significant harm to the integrity of the River Lambourn SAC was not outweighed by the great weight attributed to the enhancement of the Chieveley Conservation Area and the moderate weight derived from the social and economic benefits of the scheme.