Thornet Wood Road, Bickley, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2LW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the revised National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the development on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the development on the living conditions of occupants of nearby dwellings, having particular regard to noise
• The effect of the development on highway safety in 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 substantial harm from inappropriate development and loss of openness in the Green Belt, compounded by unresolved uncertainty over noise harm to neighbouring living conditions, was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations, so very special circumstances were not demonstrated.

the substantial Green Belt harms (inappropriateness and loss of openness), together with unresolved noise-related harm to living conditions, were not clearly outweighed by the moderate-weight economic and social benefits, so very special circumstances did not exist and the balance tipped against the development