7 North Lane, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 4BT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on public safety in respect to ground stability
• flood risk, including whether the proposal would be safe for its lifetime and would not increase flood risk elsewhere
• the character and appearance of the area
• the safety of users of North Lane, with particular reference to the location and number of car parking spaces
• the living conditions of existing occupiers of the host property, and whether future occupiers of the proposed dwelling would be provided with adequate living conditions, with specific regard to the quantum and functionality of outdoor space
• ecology and biodiversity

What decided it

The site's location within an area at risk of flooding and the failure to demonstrate that the proposal would be safe from flooding for its lifetime provided a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11di of the Framework, displacing the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

The small social and economic benefits of a single dwelling and minor environmental benefits from renewable energy measures were outweighed by the substantial harm to public safety (ground stability), flood risk, character and appearance, highway safety, living conditions, and ecology, with flood risk providing the decisive strong reason for refusal.