107 Sherwood Park Road, Mitcham, CR4 1NG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• whether it would provide acceptable living conditions for future residents having regard to the amount and quality of the proposed private outdoor space
• the effect of the development on the living conditions for occupants of the host property (No 107) in terms of outlook
• the effect on biodiversity
• the effect on street parking and highway and pedestrian safety
• whether the development would provide acceptable cycle parking facilities

What decided it

The harm deriving from the unsympathetic and incongruous design of the proposal, identified under the first three main issues, is of considerable weight and significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefit of delivering a single additional dwelling, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.

The significant benefits of housing delivery and efficient use of urban land were outweighed by the considerable harm to character and appearance, living conditions of future occupants, and living conditions of the host property, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.