Parast, Broadbridge Lane, Broadbridge Lane, Smallfield, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9RD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to any relevant development plan policies and the Framework
• the effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the proposal is in a sustainable location
• if the development is inappropriate, 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 proposal fails to satisfy criterion (c) of paragraph 155 of the Framework because the site is not in a suitable location with reference to paragraphs 110 and 115, as future occupiers would lack safe and reliable access to services and sustainable transport modes, and therefore cannot benefit from the Grey Belt exception to inappropriate development.

The substantial weight afforded to harm to the Green Belt and the significant weight afforded to loss of openness and unsustainable location were not clearly outweighed by the substantial weight given to the provision of nine dwellings in the context of housing land supply shortfall, and the balance tipped against the proposal.