2 NORFOLK ROAD, ILFORD, IG3 8LQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed change of use would be acceptable, with regard to the supply of family housing and need within the borough
• the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers with regard to noise, disturbance and outlook
• whether the proposed development would be acceptable, with regard to biodiversity net gain (BNG)
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The loss of a family-sized dwelling without demonstrated need for the proposed supported living use, combined with unresolved concerns about noise and disturbance to neighbours and inadequate biodiversity net gain information, meant the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited benefits when assessed against the Framework as a whole.

The benefits of providing an assisted living facility for vulnerable individuals and contributing to housing mix were limited in weight because the site was already in residential use and would not increase the quantum of housing stock; the adverse impacts of losing a family-sized dwelling needed in the borough, failing to demonstrate need for the proposed use, potential harm to neighbouring amenity from noise and disturbance, and inadequate biodiversity net gain provision were afforded significant weight and significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.