10A Dale Hill, Blackwell, Bromsgrove, B60 1QJ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt for the purposes of the National Planning Policy Framework and development plan policy
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the accessibility of services and facilities from the appeal site by sustainable modes of transport
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety
• whether future occupiers would experience acceptable outdoor living conditions in terms of noise and disturbance
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of nearby residents, with regard to overlooking and outlook
• whether the proposed development would be safe for future occupiers with respect to its proximity to a gas pipeline
• if the development is inappropriate, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to very special circumstances necessary to justify the development

What decided it

The substantial weight given to the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with material harm to character and appearance, highway safety, future occupier living conditions, and accessibility, clearly outweighed the limited material considerations in favour of the proposal, including the contribution to housing supply.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt and other identified harms (character and appearance, highway safety, living conditions of future occupiers, accessibility) substantially outweighed the material considerations in favour, including the contribution of two dwellings to the housing shortfall.