Oak Cottage 20 Bourne End Lane, Bourne End, HP1 2RL

outline planning application (all matters reserved other than access) for 3 serviced plots for self-build and custom housebuilding

Authority: Dacorum Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Gee R

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
the integrity of habitats sites
whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt or grey belt land having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
if the proposal would be inappropriate development, 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 it

What decided it

The revised Framework's grey belt exception at paragraph 155 applies because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) or (d), there is demonstrable unmet housing need (1-year supply), and the site is in a sustainable location, making the development not inappropriate and therefore not requiring very special circumstances.

The limited localised harm to character and appearance is outweighed by the significant benefits of contributing to housing land supply, securing self-build and custom housing provision, and the application of the revised Framework's grey belt policy which indicates a decision other than in accordance with the development plan

Framework references: 11, 55, 57, 110, 115, 143, 154, 155

Plan policies cited: Policy CS10, Policy CS11, Policy CS12, Policy CS1, Policy CS2, Policy CS5, Policy CS25, Policy CS26

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.