Little Orchard, Robin Hood Lane, Sutton Green, Guildford, GU4 7QG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether or not the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt for the purposes of the development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework
• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect on the host property and the character and appearance of the area
• If the proposal is inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances which would be necessary to justify it

What decided it

The cumulative volume of the existing building already exceeded policy thresholds, and the proposal would add further disproportionate additions to the original dwelling, constituting inappropriate development to which substantial weight must be given under the Framework, and no other considerations clearly outweighed this harm.

The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with harm to character and appearance, was not clearly outweighed by the appellant's other considerations (enhanced living accommodation and potential energy efficiency measures), and very special circumstances were not established.