Low Beck, Kings Cross Road, South Nutfield, RH1 5NJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with regard to privacy
• the effect of the proposed development on the health and value of nearby protected trees
• whether the site is suitable for the proposed development, having regard to its accessibility to services and facilities

What decided it

The combination of potentially avoidable impacts—harm to protected trees and lack of safe and suitable pedestrian access—significantly and demonstrably outweighs the housing benefits, even in the context of unmet housing need.

Despite the contribution to housing supply in view of the shortage of land and a small boost to the local economy during construction, the adverse impacts of harm to protected trees and lack of safe pedestrian access significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, so the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply.