4 Nelson Road, Dagnall, Berkhamstead, HP4 1RF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the proposal on neighbour living conditions
• The impact on current on-street parking provision
• 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 identified harms—inappropriateness in the Green Belt, loss of openness, harm to character and appearance, and significant adverse impact on neighbour living conditions through overshadowing—were not clearly outweighed by the modest benefits of providing two additional dwellings, such that very special circumstances could not be demonstrated.

The substantial weight afforded to the harm from inappropriate Green Belt development and loss of openness, combined with harm to character and neighbour amenity, was not outweighed by the limited benefits of two additional dwellings and ecological enhancements, resulting in dismissal.