Kilnash, Vicarage Lane, North Weald Bassett,, Epping, CM16 6AL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the proposal on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• 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 would result in a materially larger replacement dwelling than the existing building, particularly through the addition of a first floor without a fallback position, causing substantial harm to the openness and rural character of the Green Belt that could not be justified by very special circumstances.

The benefits of improved accommodation and limited short-term economic benefits did not outweigh the substantial harm to Green Belt openness and the inappropriateness of the development.