‘Bulky and overbearing’ flats refused on appeal

concluded that “these matters do not mediate the harm identified”.

The inspector said: “I find that the proposed development, by nature of its scale and proximity to the occupiers of properties on St Vincents Hill, would result in a significant level of harm to the living conditions of those occupiers.”

They said residents at The Vincent had a “real perception that they would be fearful of accessing the car park during the construction phase” but that this could be dealt with by a planning condition.

The inspector added: “I find that the proposed development would not result in a level of associated vehicle movements that would be detrimental to the living conditions of the occupiers of The Vincent.”

The report said that although 20 per cent of the homes would be classed as affordable, this would not overcome the harm to neighbours at St Vincents Hill.

The plans received 52 objections during four rounds of consultation before being rejected by councillors 17 months ago.

By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service