The inspector concluded that the scheme would harm the "courtyard environment" of the area and the street scene and consequently would not preserve its character and appearance. Mr Justice Sullivan agreed, ruling that the inspector had carried out the appropriate balancing exercise. The inspector had been entitled to make the judgement that the harm to local character outweighed the acknowledged need for additional student accommodation, the judge decided.
University College London v First Secretary of State; Date: 25 November 2004; Ref: CO/3782/2004.
