Land NW of Oakfield, Windmill Lane, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8PZ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the development on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the development would accord with local policies and national guidance with regard to location
• The effect of the development on designated wildlife sites and biodiversity
• Whether the development represents exceptional design
• Would harm by reason of inappropriateness in the Green Belt, or 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 development would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt causing substantial harm to openness, and no very special circumstances were demonstrated to clearly outweigh that harm together with the other harms identified.

the substantial harm from inappropriate development in the Green Belt, together with harm to biodiversity, design and an unsustainable location, was not outweighed by the minor benefits of a bespoke dwelling, energy efficiency, and minor housing and economic contributions, so very special circumstances did not exist.