Land South of Faynes Court, Sandy, SG19 1HX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, having particular regard to whether the development would preserve or enhance the character of appearance of the Sandy Conservation Area
• whether the proposal would provide adequate living conditions for future residents, with particular regard to outlook, privacy and outdoor amenity space
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety, with particular regard to parking provision and turning space

What decided it

The less than substantial harm to the conservation area caused by Plot 1's proximity to the Afnan library, combined with failures to provide adequate living conditions and safe turning space, was not outweighed by the housing benefits and the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply due to the clear reason for refusal relating to heritage asset protection.

The benefits of four dwellings on previously developed land in a sustainable location and the shortfall in housing land supply were outweighed by the less than substantial harm to the conservation area, the failure to provide adequate living conditions, and the highway safety concerns, with the heritage asset protection policies providing a clear reason for refusal under paragraph 11d)(i) of the Framework.