Land off Darwin Avenue , Worcester, WR5 1SP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area, including the effect on the designated Green Space, the trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order and the effect of the proposed access
• whether the proposal provides satisfactory living conditions for future occupants, in particular regard to external amenity space
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the existing occupants of No 16 and 17 Darwin Avenue, in regard to noise from vehicular movements
• the effect on protected species and integrity of the Lyppard Grange Ponds Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

What decided it

The proposal forms part of an adopted housing allocation (SWDP 43/1) and the indicative layout demonstrates that 28 affordable dwellings can be satisfactorily accommodated without harm to character, appearance, living conditions or protected species, with reserved matters conditions enabling further control of detailed design.

The significant benefits of delivering 100% affordable housing in an area of demonstrated need, as part of an adopted housing allocation, outweighed the limited harm from loss of the mature hedgerow and some trees, with reserved matters conditions securing appropriate mitigation.