Land to south of Playing Fields, Paradise Road, Writtle Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 3RL

change of use of agricultural land to dog walking field with associated fencing and gates. Proposed permeable hardstanding area for parking

Authority: Chelmsford Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Change of use
Inspector: Knight A

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the development is inappropriate in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
The effect on the openness of the Green Belt
The effect on the character and appearance of the area, including the Green Wedge
If the development is inappropriate, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by any other considerations, amounting to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that harms openness and character and appearance, and the other considerations advanced do not comprise the very special circumstances necessary to justify it.

Framework references: 153, 154, 88

Plan policies cited: Policy S11, Policy DM10, Policy SP11, Policy DM23

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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