Land Adj. Melathron, Quarry Road, Godstone, RH9 8DQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to any relevant development plan policies and the Framework
• Whether the proposal would preserve the settings of the Grade II listed buildings known as Quarry Farm House and The Barn
• If the proposal is inappropriate development, whether the 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 it

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, combined with marked harm to the settings and significance of the listed buildings, was not outweighed by the moderate benefits of housing supply and economic contribution.

The substantial weight given to Green Belt harm by reason of inappropriateness and harm to openness, together with the considerable weight given to less than substantial harm to designated heritage assets, was not outweighed by the moderate benefits of housing supply, economic and social benefits, and biodiversity enhancement, such that very special circumstances do not exist.