Cromer Hyde Farm, Lemsford, Hertfordshire, AL8 7XD

change of use of land to equestrian, incorporating the erection of an equestrian stable building, horse walker and siting of a portacabin

Authority: Welwyn Hatfield Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Other minor developments
Inspector: Reid L

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether or not the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt, having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies, including the effect on openness
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 proposal fails to preserve the openness of the Green Belt and does not qualify for the outdoor sport and recreation exception under NPPF paragraph 154(b), and the economic benefits do not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt.

Framework references: 154, 153

Plan policies cited: SADM 34, SP 3

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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