Land off Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 1RB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether or not the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, having regard to relevant development plan policies and the National Planning Policy Framework
• The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the appeal site and the surrounding 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 harm to the character and appearance of the appeal site and surrounding area, arising from the domestication of a rural upland countryside setting, would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the limited benefits of providing a single additional dwelling.

The harm to character and appearance would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the limited benefits arising from the provision of a single dwelling in a context of housing under-supply, notwithstanding the absence of substantial harm to Green Belt openness.