Chedworth,, Coopers Hill Road,, South Nutfield, Redhill,, RH1 5PD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies, with particular regard to whether the proposal is in a sustainable location
• the effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• if the development is inappropriate whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstance necessary to justify the development

What decided it

The proposal fails to satisfy criterion iii) of policy GB7 1(g) of the 2026 Framework—that development be in a sustainable location—because the site's poor accessibility, lack of attractive walking and cycling routes, and limited public transport mean future occupants would be heavily reliant on private car travel, which is incompatible with sustainable development.

The substantial weight given to housing delivery and moderate weight to economic benefits are insufficient to clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, the substantial harm to openness and conflict with the Green Belt purpose of safeguarding countryside from encroachment, the significant harm to character and appearance, and the significant harm from unsustainable patterns of travel; no very special circumstances are established.