1 Old Hill , Orpington, Kent, BR6 6BW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development 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 on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the proposal would provide for acceptable living conditions for future occupiers, with particular regard to internal and external space standards
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety with particular reference to parking
• if the proposal would be inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial weight required to be given to harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness is not clearly outweighed by the limited weight of other considerations, including housing supply benefits, such that very special circumstances do not exist.

The substantial weight to be given to the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with harm to character and appearance, living conditions, and highway safety, is not clearly outweighed by the limited weight of housing supply and economic benefits, and the Green Belt provides a clear reason for refusal under the tilted balance.