Decision details

RESOLVED: That application 17/04353/FP be REFUSED planning permission, for the following reason:

Reason for Refusal

The application site is located within an area designated in the North Hertfordshire District Local Plan no. 2 - with Alterations proposals map as Green Belt, within which there is a presumption against inappropriate development unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority this planning application proposes inappropriate development in the Green Belt, which would harm the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and cause harm to the purposes of the Green Belt as defined in paragraph 80 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as follows. The proposal would cause harm to the purpose of safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the applicant has not demonstrated Very Special Circumstances which are sufficient to outweigh the substantial weight should be given to any harm to the Green Belt that is required under paragraph 88 of the NPPF. Furthermore, due to the scale, appearance of the development and its prominent location, demonstrable harm would be caused to the openness of the Green Belt. The proposal therefore conflicts with saved Policy 2 'Green Belt' of the North Hertfordshire District Local Plan No. 2 - with Alterations, Section 9 'Protecting Green Belt Land' of the NPPF and Policy SP5 ‘Countryside and Green Belt’ of the submitted Local Plan 2011 - 2031.

Proactive Statement

Planning permission has been refused for this proposal for the clear reasons set out in this decision notice. The Council acted proactively through positive engagement with the applicant in an attempt to narrow down the reasons for refusal but fundamental objections could not be overcome. The Council has therefore acted proactively in line with the requirements of the Framework (paragraphs 186 and 187) and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.