Land north of Bonningtons, Latchmore Bank, Little Hallingbury, Hertfordshire, CM22 7PH

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 of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within it
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on the setting of Grade II listed buildings
• if the proposal is inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, and if so, would this amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt through inappropriate development and significant loss of openness, combined with harm to heritage assets and character, was not outweighed by the moderate benefits of housing delivery and economic gains.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt (inappropriateness, openness, and countryside encroachment) and less than substantial harm to heritage assets, together with harm to character and appearance, outweighed the moderate weight given to housing supply contribution, economic and social benefits, and ecological enhancements.