Land south of Colchester Road, West Bergholt, CO6 3TJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupants of existing neighbouring properties, with respect to privacy and noise
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the future occupants of the proposed dwellings, with respect to privacy
• whether the appeal site would be in a suitable location for housing development, having regard to policies relating to the coalescence of West Bergholt and Braiswick
• whether contamination risk can be adequately managed and whether the necessary mitigation in respect of community, sport and recreation would be adequately secured

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance caused by the perpendicular orientation of the dwellings contrary to the prevailing street scene, combined with unacceptable privacy harm to both existing and future occupants, would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the limited housing benefit of three dwellings.

The modest housing benefit of three dwellings in a well-served location was outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance of the area and to the living conditions of occupants of adjacent properties and future occupiers of the proposed dwellings.