D22A/0035

The Inspector recommends granting permission, overturning the local authority's refusal, on the basis that the proposal provides for a necessary intensification of an infill site in line with Policy Objective PHP18, while maintaining the residential amenities and the character of the surrounding Foxrock Architectural Conservation Area through specific design modifications.

• The development complies with national and local policies regarding residential density, compact growth, and the provision of a diverse housing mix on suburban infill lands.
• Potential negative impacts on residential amenities, such as overlooking and overbearing, are deemed acceptable given the separation distances and the retention of mature screening, supplemented by a recommended condition to reduce the height of Block B by one floor.
• The loss of mature trees is considered justifiable to achieve higher density development near quality public transport corridors, provided that the remaining sylvan character is protected and managed via bond and specialist consultancy.