Oakside, Littlefield Green, White Waltham, Maidenhead, SL6 3JN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on a protected tree on the site
• if the proposal would be 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 necessary to justify it

What decided it

The substantial harm to Green Belt openness and the significant harm to character and appearance, combined with uncertainty regarding protection of a protected tree, were not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of the proposal, and the Framework's Green Belt protection policies provided a clear reason for refusal notwithstanding the lack of five-year housing supply.

The substantial harm to Green Belt openness and significant harm to character and appearance and protected tree, collectively accorded substantial and significant weight, were not clearly outweighed by the moderate weight of benefits including self-build provision, housing supply, economic contribution, sustainability measures and fall-back position, resulting in dismissal.