Manor Farm, Dryhill Lane, Sundridge, Kent, TN14 6AA

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 and the effect on openness
• The effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of Manor Farm, in respect of privacy and whether the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for potential occupiers
• Whether the development would be at risk from flooding and the effect of the development on water quality
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the National Landscape
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Access arrangements
• Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances to justify it

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that cannot be justified by very special circumstances, as the harm to the Green Belt and other identified harms (poor living conditions and water quality risks) are not clearly outweighed by the modest benefits of housing delivery and economic activity.

The benefits of housing delivery (moderate weight) and social and economic benefits (modest weight) do not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, the harm to living conditions of potential occupiers, and the unresolved risk to private water supply quality.