Old School House Hambledon Road, Hambledon, Godalming, GU8 4DR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt including the effect upon the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the appeal site would be a suitable location for new housing with specific regard to the Council's spatial strategy and access to services
• The effect of the proposed development on heritage assets with specific regard to its effects on the Hambledon B Conservation Area and the setting of a listed building
• The effect of the proposed development on the landscape with specific regard to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Area of Great Landscape Value
• The effect of the proposed development on protected species
• Would the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations. If so, would this amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial weight attributed to harm to the Green Belt by inappropriate development, combined with heritage harm and landscape harm, was not outweighed by the limited public benefits advanced, and very special circumstances do not exist.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt, heritage assets, and landscape character was not outweighed by the limited public benefits of self-build housing, economic benefits during construction, and support for local facilities.