Land to the Rear of 55-67 Petersfield Avenue, Harold Hill, Romford, Havering, RM3 9PR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be an appropriate form of development with particular regard to the design, layout and effect on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect on highway safety with particular regard to access for service vehicles and any conflict between pedestrians and vehicles
• whether the proposal would provide adequate living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to the provision of external space and outlook
• whether there are any material considerations which mean that the decision should be made otherwise than in accordance with the development plan

What decided it

The tilted balance under NPPF paragraph 11d)ii, engaged by the Council's shortfall in five-year housing land supply, meant the substantial weight given to housing delivery on brownfield land outweighed the minor harm to living conditions.

the minor harm arising from the poor quality of the rear gardens and oppressive outlook was outweighed by the substantial weight given to delivering six dwellings on a brownfield site plus modest weight benefits, such that the adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits