3 Barbourne Road, WORCESTER, WR1 1RS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the Foregate Street and The Tything Conservation Area (CA) and its effect on the character and appearance of the building which is a non-designated heritage asset (NDHA)
• the effect of the proposed development upon the living conditions of occupiers of the property, with particular regard to light, outlook, ventilation and private amenity space
• the effect of the proposed development upon retail vitality and viability
• the effect of the proposed development upon archaeological remains

What decided it

The unacceptable harm to the living conditions of future occupiers, particularly poor outlook, light and ventilation in the ground floor bedsit, combined with conflict with retail vitality policy, significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of housing provision under the tilted balance.

The benefits of providing additional units of accommodation in a sustainable location were outweighed by the identified harm arising from the unacceptable effect on the living conditions of occupants and to retail vitality and viability, when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole.