Pickard House, 57A Upper High Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 4RA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the setting of and significance of the Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area
• Whether the proposal would create satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to internal layout

What decided it

The material harm to the setting and significance of the Epsom Town Centre Conservation Area, combined with harm to local character and appearance and failure to meet internal space standards, would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the modest benefits of seven additional housing units.

The modest social and economic benefits of providing seven additional housing units in a sustainable location were outweighed by the significant harm to the setting and significance of the Conservation Area, harm to character and appearance, and failure to provide good living standards for future residents; the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits when assessed against the Framework as a whole.