Yonder Bungalow, Chester Road, Delamere, CW8 2HS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether or not the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the development plan and the National Planning Policy Framework, including the effect upon the openness of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposed development on protected species and habitats
• drainage
• if the proposed development is inappropriate, whether the harm, by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development

What decided it

The proposed replacement dwelling would be materially larger than the existing building and would cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt and the character and appearance of the area, and these harms are not clearly outweighed by other considerations.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with harm to character and appearance and potential protected species impacts, was not outweighed by the benefits of improved living standards, accessibility, or the fallback position, and the Green Belt exception in NPPF paragraph 11(d)(i) applied to prevent the tilted balance.