Northaw Brook Meadow, Coopers Lane Road, Northaw, EN6 4FB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development proposed would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt, including any effect on openness, having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the appeal site is an acceptable location for residential development, having regard to local and national policies
• Whether it would make adequate provision for the storage and collection of refuse and recycling, including any effect on highway safety
• Whether it would make adequate provision for the management of flood risk at the site
• Would any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial weight given to harm to Green Belt openness and inappropriateness of development, combined with harm to character and appearance and unsuitability of location, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate benefits of providing one new dwelling and supporting housing supply.