Land off Valley Lane East, Valley Lane, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0DG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the site is a suitable location for residential development, with particular regard to access to services and facilities
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the appeal site and surrounding area
• The effect of the proposed development on trees and biodiversity
• If the proposal is 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 required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial weight to be given to Green Belt harm by reason of inappropriateness, combined with moderate visual and spatial harm to openness and poor access to services and facilities, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of providing one dwelling in a housing land supply shortfall context.

The substantial weight attributed to Green Belt harm (both by reason of inappropriateness and reduction in openness) and the harm from poor access to services and facilities was not clearly outweighed by the moderate social and economic benefits of providing one dwelling in a housing land supply shortfall, resulting in dismissal.