®Planning appeal decision
The Bungalow Kiln Lane, Brockham, BETCHWORTH, RH3 7LZ
Development comprising 33 dwellings along with associated public open space and highways improvements with all matters reserved other than access
- Authority
- Mole Valley District Council
- Appeal type
- major · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Hearing
- Development
- residential · Major dwellings
- Inspector
- Fort G
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the proposed development on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
- the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
- whether the proposed development would secure adequate living conditions for its future occupants, with particular reference to privacy and outlook
- whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm resulting from the proposal is clearly outweighed by other considerations
What decided it
The substantial Green Belt harm (inappropriateness and harm to openness) was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations, so very special circumstances were not demonstrated.
the substantial weight attached to Green Belt harm (inappropriateness, openness and encroachment) was not clearly outweighed by the considerable but lesser benefits of housing and affordable housing delivery, sustainable construction, open space/biodiversity and other modest benefits, so the appeal was dismissed
Framework references: 8, 11, 48, 57, 63, 74, 76, 104, 137, 145, 147
Plan policies cited: Policy CS1, Policy CS13, Policy CS4, Policy CS18, Policy CS19, Policy MOV2, Policy ENV22
Judgments cited: Maximus Networks Ltd v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government & Others [2018] EWHC 1933 (Admin)
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.