High View Langton Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0BB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development 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 development on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the site is in a suitable location for the development having regard to local and national planning policies and access to services and facilities
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• 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 cause significant harm to openness and character, and the modest housing and economic benefits do not comprise the very special circumstances necessary to justify approval.

The modest benefits of housing delivery and economic benefits were clearly outweighed by the substantial harm to the Green Belt through inappropriateness and loss of openness, and the material harm to character and appearance, such that very special circumstances were not established.