Land at Dark Lane, Kingsley, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 8BN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and 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, including its effect on the Kingsley Conservation Area
• whether the appeal site offers a suitable location for the proposed development having regard to the development plan policies that support sustainable development and limit housing in the countryside
• whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposed development

What decided it

The cumulative weight of harm to the Green Belt and the designated heritage asset of the Kingsley Conservation Area, which carries considerable importance and weight, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of providing one self-build dwelling and other considerations.

The substantial negative weight given to Green Belt harm and considerable weight given to harm to the Conservation Area were not outweighed by the moderate weight benefits of self-build housing provision, biodiversity net gain, and economic benefits, such that very special circumstances do not exist.