OS Parcel 3622, Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, HP14 4AW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development would be in a suitable location having regard to accessibility, development plan policies and the National Planning Policy Framework
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area, including whether it would conserve or enhance the natural, scenic and landscape beauty of the Chilterns National Landscape
• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• the effect on openness
• whether the development would be served by a suitable surface water drainage scheme
• whether it would represent a suitable density of development and would provide an acceptable mix of dwellings
• if the scheme would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm is clearly outweighed by other factors so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify it

What decided it

The identified harm to the natural, scenic and landscape beauty of the Chilterns National Landscape, which provides a strong reason to refuse planning permission and outweighs the modest housing benefits and other factors in support of the scheme.

The benefits of the proposal, including a modest contribution to housing land supply and construction employment, were outweighed by the significant harm to the Chilterns National Landscape and the substantial harm caused by inappropriate development in the Green Belt, such that very special circumstances did not exist to justify the scheme.