Rear Of 291 Whippendell Road, Watford, WD18 7NN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether suitable living conditions would be provided for future occupants of the proposed development, with particular regard to the provision of internal space, outdoor amenity space, outlook and light
• whether the proposal would provide appropriate space for refuse and cycle storage
• the effect of the proposed parking on highway safety
• the effect of the proposal on the vitality and viability of the Local Centre

What decided it

The proposal would provide accommodation with significant deficiencies in living conditions, particularly the complete absence of private outdoor amenity space and poor internal layout with limited natural light and outlook, which would constitute poor design contrary to the Framework and substantially outweigh the modest benefit of a single additional dwelling.

The modest benefits of providing an additional dwelling in an accessible location and efficient use of land were substantially outweighed by the significant adverse effects of poor living conditions and design deficiencies when assessed against the Framework's national decision-making policies.