3 Grove Cottages Bedmond Hill, Pimlico, HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, HP3 8SQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, including any effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the development on the living conditions for its occupiers, with particular regard to outdoor space provision
• whether the development would make adequate provision for on-site parking and vehicle manoeuvring
• whether the development would make adequate provision for affordable housing
• if the development would be inappropriate, whether the 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 necessary to justify it

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with substantial harm to character and appearance, living conditions, and highway safety, was not clearly outweighed by the modest benefit of providing two dwellings in a context of housing land supply shortfall, such that very special circumstances did not exist.

the benefits of providing two dwellings in an area with a two-year housing land supply did not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt, character and appearance, living conditions of occupiers, and highway safety, and the moderate harm from inadequate affordable housing provision