Afonwen, Ightenhill Park Lane, Burnley, BB12 0RW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• Whether the proposed development would provide a suitable site for housing having regard to the development strategy for the area
• Whether acceptable living conditions would be provided for the occupiers of Afonwen and future residents of the proposed development, with particular regard to privacy
• If the proposed development would be inappropriate development, whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to very special circumstances

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that would cause substantial harm to openness, conflicts with the development strategy for locating new residential development, and would result in unacceptable living conditions for future residents due to overlooking and privacy concerns, with no very special circumstances to justify the development.

The substantial weight given to harm to the Green Belt, combined with conflicts with the development plan regarding location and living conditions, was not outweighed by the limited benefits of housing supply, self-build provision, economic activity during construction, and other considerations, resulting in the dismissal of the appeal.