'Cramped' Bexhill new build home refused at appeal by planning inspector

In a decision notice published late last month a planning inspector has dismissed an appeal connected with plans to build a bungalow on a small plot of land to the rear of a property known as 8 Church Vale Road.

The scheme had originally been refused by Rother District Council in March last year due to concerns about its impact on the surrounding area and neighbouring properties.

This view was challenged by the applicant, who argued the council’s lack of a five-year housing land supply meant the scheme should have been given a presumption in favour of development.

However, the inspector agreed with council planners, finding that the scheme would cause unacceptable harm to the area, both from its ‘cramped and overcrowded’ appearance and its overshadowing of a neighbouring home.

The inspector wrote: “Overall, I find that the adverse impacts of the proposed development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefit.”