21 Wood Lane, New End, Astwood Bank, Redditch, B96 6NN

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
• the effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the site is suitable for residential development, having regard to its location, the proposed land use, and the amount of development
• whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with harm to the countryside and conflict with the spatial strategy, was not clearly outweighed by the limited benefits of self-build housing provision and modest economic benefits, and Green Belt policy provided a clear reason for refusal that disengaged the tilted balance.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt from inappropriate development and loss of openness, together with substantial harm to the countryside and conflict with spatial strategy, was not outweighed by the limited weight given to self-build housing provision and modest economic and social benefits.