Cedarroofs, Cutnall Green, Worcestershire, WR9 0NF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt including its effect on openness and the purposes of including land within it, having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposed development
• whether the proposed development provides an adequate contribution to affordable housing
• 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 Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with the unsustainable location and failure to secure affordable housing contributions, is not clearly outweighed by the benefit of one dwelling, particularly where the presumption in favour of sustainable development does not apply due to Green Belt considerations.

The moderate weight given to housing delivery (one dwelling against a 1.1-year supply) does not clearly outweigh the substantial weight given to harm to the Green Belt, the moderate harm to visual openness, the unsuitability of the location, and the absence of an adequate affordable housing contribution; the balance tipped decisively against the proposal.