Camps Farm , Hoe Lane, Nr WALTHAM ABBEY, Essex, EN9 2RG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether or not the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• Whether the proposal would preserve the setting of nearby Grade II listed buildings, Camps Farmhouse (the White House), Camps, Barn at rear of Camps (Camps barn) and Parkers, and Grade II* listed buildings, Greenleaves and Barn 20m south of Greenleaves (Greenleaves barn)
• The extent to which the development would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Nazeing and South Roydon Conservation Area (CA), and the effect of the proposal on Camps Grange, a non-designated heritage asset
• Whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness in the Green Belt, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so 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 by definition harmful, and the limited benefits from housing delivery, economic activity, and heritage preservation do not clearly outweigh this substantial harm.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt from inappropriate development was not clearly outweighed by the limited benefits of housing supply, economic and social benefits from construction and occupation, moderate benefits from removal of derelict buildings and reduction in building volume, and moderate benefits from reduction in commercial traffic and potential drainage improvements.