90 Woodfield Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0DS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• whether or not the proposed development would provide suitable living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to the provision of living and outdoor amenity space
• the effect if the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupiers of No 90, with particular regard to outlook and light
• whether or not the mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements would be met
• whether or not the site would be at risk of flooding, having regard to the flood risk mitigation proposed
• the effect of the proposed development on the provision of parking, with particular regard to highway safety

What decided it

The substantial and cumulative harm to character and appearance, living conditions of future and neighbouring occupiers, unresolved flood risk, and unmet biodiversity net gain requirements significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited housing benefits of a single dwelling, particularly given the site's constrained and visually sensitive location.

The adverse impacts of the proposed development, comprising substantial harm to character and appearance, living conditions of future and neighbouring occupiers, unresolved flood risk and unmet BNG requirements, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited benefits of housing delivery and socio-economic benefits from one additional dwelling, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.