Little Oaks Darrs Lane, Northchurch, BERKHAMSTED, Herefordshire, HP4 3TT

demolition of existing side extension and detached garden room, construction of new side and rear extensions, with associated internal alterations

Authority: Dacorum Borough Council
Appeal type: householder · Householder (HAS)
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Householder developments
Inspector: Catcheside E

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
the effect of the development on the living conditions of the occupants of Hillcrest, with particular regard to outlook, daylight and sunlight
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 proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that would substantially increase the dwelling size disproportionately, with no very special circumstances demonstrated to justify approval.

Framework references: 154

Plan policies cited: Policy CS5, Policy CS12

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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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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