The proposed development, by reason of its height, scale, massing and siting within a constrained backland plot, would result in an overdevelopment of the site. The three-storey building would represent a substantial increase in the size and scale over the existing building it would replace and, due to the limited space available within the site, would appear cramped, disproportionate and visually obtrusive. The development would fail to respect the established pattern, character and appearance of the surrounding area and would have a harmful and visually dominant impact on the street scene. The proposal would therefore result in unacceptable harm to the character, appearance and visual amenity of the locality, contrary to Policy D2 of the Sedgemoor District Local Plan.

The proposed development, by reason of its height, scale, design and proximity to neighbouring residential properties, would result in unacceptable harm to the living conditions of existing and future occupiers. The proposed first and second-floor windows would introduce opportunities for direct overlooking of neighbouring dwellings and private amenity areas, including the residential properties on Church Street and the adjoining flats to the north-east, leading to a significant loss of privacy. Furthermore, the substantial increase in the height and massing of the building, when compared to the existing single-storey structure, would create an overbearing and visually dominant form of development that would adversely affect the amenities of nearby residents. The proposal would therefore result in material harm to residential amenity through overlooking, loss of privacy, and an increased sense of enclosure and visual domination, contrary to Policy D25 of the Sedgemoor District Local Plan.