The Chalet, 1A Wingate Way, St Albans , Herts, AL1 5RE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the appeal site and surrounding area
• whether the proposal would provide an adequate living environment for future occupiers, with particular regard to outdoor amenity space and privacy
• whether the proposal would have adequate car parking provision

What decided it

The substantial conflict with the Framework's requirements for sympathetic local character and high amenity standards, combined with significant harm to the character and appearance of the area and inadequate living environment, outweighed the modest housing contribution in the context of the Council's housing land supply shortfall.

The provision of one additional housing unit and modest economic benefits were given significant weight, but the very significant weight given to the harms to character, appearance and living conditions meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits when assessed against the Framework as a whole, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.