Malvernbury, 61 Abbey Road, Malvern, WR14 3HH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Great Malvern Conservation Area
• whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for the future occupants of the property, with regard to privacy and outlook
• whether the development would provide safe and suitable access and sufficient parking for the appeal proposal and for the occupants of Malvernbury
• the effect of the development on biodiversity
• whether the proposed drainage scheme would be appropriate and whether it would increase the risk of surface water flooding

What decided it

The harm to the significance of the Conservation Area, a designated heritage asset, would not be outweighed by the public benefits and provides a strong reason for refusing the proposal under paragraph 11d of the Framework.

The substantial harm to the Conservation Area and the living conditions of future occupants, combined with highway safety and drainage concerns, outweighed the limited public benefits of six additional dwellings, particularly given that the harm to a designated heritage asset provided a strong reason for refusal that displaced the presumption in favour of sustainable development.