Croft House, Lower Street, Great Bealings, IP136NZ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the surrounding natural features and the landscape setting of the area
• whether the building is suitable for conversion to a dwelling having regard to its countryside location
• whether the proposal provides for adequate outdoor space suitable for future occupiers

What decided it

The failure to demonstrate that the building could be converted without significant alteration or rebuilding, combined with the absence of evidence that the proposal would enhance the immediate setting and the demonstrable harm to landscape character and potential tree loss, meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the housing benefits under the tilted balance.

The moderate positive weight of housing supply benefits and economic benefits was significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the significant harm to character and appearance, potential tree loss, and conflict with development plan policies and Framework expectations, disengaging the presumption in favour of sustainable development.