Land West of Ash Road, Hartley , Sevenoaks, Kent , DA3 8HA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• the effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
• 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 required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, combined with harm to character and appearance, is not clearly outweighed by the modest housing supply benefit and limited self-build provision.

The modest contribution of four dwellings to housing supply and limited benefit of self-build/custom build provision do not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, loss of openness, and harm to character and appearance; the tilted balance under paragraph 11(d) does not apply because Green Belt policies provide a clear reason for refusal.