The Willows, 2 Singles Cross, Blueberry Lane, Knockholt, TN14 7NH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed extension would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to Government policy in the National Planning Policy Framework 2021 and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the extension on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm would be clearly outweighed by 'other considerations' so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The cumulative harm from inappropriate development, significant loss of openness, and adverse character and appearance effects was not clearly outweighed by the limited benefits from shed demolition, so the very special circumstances required to justify the development did not exist.

The harm caused by inappropriateness, significant loss of openness, and limited adverse effect on character and appearance was not clearly outweighed by the benefits of shed demolition, particularly given that the scheme would negate the openness benefit from the original 2010 permission.