Land adjacent to 5, Spital Heath, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1QD

permission in principle for the erection of a dwelling

Authority: Mole Valley District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Miles H

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the site is suitable for residential development, having regard to the amount of development

What decided it

The proposed single dwelling would harmfully erode the sense of spaciousness and consistent character of the area in a highly prominent position, contrary to Policy S1 of the Mole Valley Local Plan (2024), and this clear harm to character and appearance outweighs the modest housing benefits.

Framework references: 11

Plan policies cited: Policy S1, Policy H1

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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