Greymantle, Hempstead Road, Bovingdon, HP3 0HF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• whether or not living conditions for future occupiers of the development and neighbouring occupiers would be acceptable with particular regard to privacy, light and the provision of amenity space
• the effect of the proposal on European designated sites

What decided it

The significant harm to the character and appearance of the area caused by introducing an incongruous backland development pattern that would markedly erode the distinctive spacious settlement edge character, combined with inadequate external amenity space for future occupiers, outweighed the modest housing and self-build benefits.

The cumulative adverse impacts of significant harm to character and appearance and modest harm to living conditions significantly and demonstrably outweighed the modest benefits of two additional dwellings and self-build provision, such that the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.