Planning Appeal Win for a Dwelling in the Green Belt
We are delighted to have won an appeal for a new a new dwelling in the Green Belt near Crays Hill, Essex. The appeal scheme was won on the basis that very special circumstances were demonstrated to clearly outweigh any harm to the Green Belt.
The Proposed Scheme
The development proposed is demolition of existing residential mobile unit and the erection of a replacement dwelling.
What are ‘very exceptional circumstances’ for Green Belt development?
The National Planning Policy Framework states that inappropriate development in the Green Belt should not be approved, except where other considerations clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.
Determining whether very special circumstances exist depends on evaluating the balance between the potential harm to the Green Belt and other considerations, such as economic, social, and environmental benefits.
The specific factors that constitute very special circumstances can vary depending on the site and the nature of the proposed development.
In this case, the application site had had an established residential presence on the site for a number of years. A Certificate of Lawful Use existed for the stationing of a mobile home for residential purposes on the site was granted in the 1990s on the basis that the land had been used for that purpose for at least 10 years.
This shows a high degree of residential permanence on site.
In addition, the mobile home has been extended with the addition of a brick based porch, there is a brick plinth around the edge of the mobile home which fixes it to a hardstanding base, and it is connected to mains services. This illustrates a high degree of attachment to the ground that would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to move.
The proposal also sought to increase the amount openness around the site by removing the structures stationed on the site.
The Planning Inspector rejected the Council’s arguments in relation to compliance with planning policy and accepted that the long-standing residential use of the site and increased openness amounted to a very special circumstance that outweighed any harm.
Do you require planning permission for a project in the Green Belt?
Our planning consultants at A D P are specialists in securing planning permission for developments in the Green Belt. If you have a new project in the Green Belt contact us for an appraisal of your site and to understand the planning scope - use the form below or email mail@apdltd.co.uk.
