Land Between The Croft And Hopwood Garden Centre, Ash Lane, Alvechurch, Worcestershire, B48 7TT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt, having regard to relevant development plan policies and the Framework
• if the proposed development is inappropriate development, its effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the proposed development causes any other harm, with particular regard to: a) highway safety, and b) whether future occupiers would have suitable access to services and facilities to meet their day-to-day needs, employment opportunities and public transport links
• if the proposed development is inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations that amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial weight attached to the Green Belt harm (inappropriateness, significant loss of openness and encroachment) was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations, so very special circumstances did not exist.

the significant harm to Green Belt openness and encroachment, together with the inherent harm of inappropriateness, to which substantial weight was given, was not clearly outweighed by the benefits of housing and affordable housing delivery, POS, economic benefits and biodiversity enhancement, so very special circumstances did not exist