Sunnyside House, West Edge, Marsh Gibbon, OX27 0HA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the Marsh Gibbon Conservation Area

What decided it

The harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area caused by the removal of a section of the historic boundary wall, which would interrupt its continuity and fragment the streetscape, was not outweighed by any public benefits, as the benefits were purely private and no evidence demonstrated wider public advantage.

The limited harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area was weighed against the private benefits to the occupiers (privacy, convenience, independent access) and claimed public benefits (improved surveillance); the harm substantially outweighed the benefits, which were afforded limited weight.