4 & 6 Love Lane, Rayleigh, SS6 7DL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, including having regard to the impact of the proposed development on a heritage asset and a protected tree
• Whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for future occupiers with regard to the provision of private amenity space and the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of the occupiers of 8 Love Lane, with particular reference to privacy and outlook
• The effect of the proposal on highway safety and whether there would be adequate cycle parking provision
• Whether adequate information has been provided to determine whether or not the proposal would unacceptably harm protected species
• Whether or not the proposed development would meet the requirements for the provision of biodiversity net gain

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance, heritage setting, protected tree, neighbouring living conditions, and highway safety, when weighed against moderate benefits from housing delivery, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits under the Framework taken as a whole.

The moderate benefits of housing delivery and efficient use of a sustainable location were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance, heritage setting, protected tree, neighbouring living conditions, and highway safety.