Rose Barn, Reigate Heath, Reigate Road, Buckland, Betchworth, Surrey, RH2 8QP

retention of an outbuilding being used as an independent dwelling

Authority: Mole Valley District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Glassar S

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

whether the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
the effect of the proposed development on the living conditions of occupants of the dwelling and existing neighbours with particular regard to privacy

What decided it

The proposal would cause significant harm to the living conditions of occupants of both the appeal building and the neighbouring Rose Cottage through loss of privacy, contrary to Policy EN4 of the development plan.

the limited positive weight attributable to housing delivery and economic benefits from a single-bedroom conversion was outweighed by the significant harm to living conditions through loss of privacy

Framework references: 154, 155

Plan policies cited: Policy EN1, Policy EN4

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.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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