Coombers Minor Partridge Lane, Newdigate, Dorking, RH5 5EE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt and the effect of the proposed development on the openness of the Green Belt, having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on protected species and their habitats
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety
• if the proposal is inappropriate development, would the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the development

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that would harm openness and is not justified by very special circumstances, as the identified benefits do not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt, character and appearance, highway safety, and biodiversity.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with harm to character and appearance, highway safety, and insufficient information on protected species, was not outweighed by the social and economic benefits of providing two dwellings and contributing to housing land supply.