Land Adjoining Hazeldene, Pilgrims Way, Trottiscliffe, West Malling, ME19 5EW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the site is a suitable location for housing with regard to whether the appeal site is grey belt land with particular reference to whether its location within the Kent Downs National Landscape would provide a strong reason for refusing or restricting the proposed development
• whether the proposal 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 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 appeal site is not sustainably located within the meaning of Framework paragraph 155(c) because future occupants would be primarily dependent on car use to access everyday services and facilities, and the distance from public transport and the lack of pavements or street lighting would not make walking or cycling realistic options.

the substantial harm to the Green Belt arising from inappropriateness and loss of openness was not clearly outweighed by the limited socio-economic benefits and housing contribution of a single dwelling, and the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply because Green Belt protection provides a strong reason for refusal under Framework paragraph 11(d)(i)