Chiddingfold Scout Headquarters, Land at Coxcombe Lane, Chiddingfold, Surrey, Godalming , GU8 4QA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• the effect it has upon the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the proposed development would be appropriately located having regard to local spatial strategies
• whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Chiddingfold Conservation Area
• the effect of the proposal on protected species
• if the development is inappropriate 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 the development

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, combined with harm to the conservation area, conflict with spatial strategy, and unresolved protected species concerns, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of housing delivery.

The moderate weight given to housing supply and economic/social benefits did not clearly outweigh the substantial weight attached to Green Belt harm (inappropriateness and loss of openness), the less than substantial but significant harm to the conservation area, and the conflict with the neighbourhood plan's spatial strategy, such that very special circumstances could not be demonstrated.