The proposals, which were rejected by Rushcliffe Borough Council in July last year, comprised the construction of around 50 homes on land within the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire Green Belt and outside the Cotgrave settlement identified in the Council's Local Plan.
The Inspector said in his report (7-page / 133KB PDF) that, although the proposals would contribute to growth and towards the local economy, this was outweighed by the harm caused to the green belt, including erosion of openness.
"The benefits of additional dwellings and further choice for the market, along with the provision of some affordable housing, and the resultant contribution towards the local economy, regeneration and overall growth, are considerations to be weighed against the harm to the green belt and to the character and appearance of the area," the Inspector said.
However, he noted the NPPF's requirement that "substantial weight" should be given to the harm to the green belt and said he did not consider the benefits to outweigh the harm identified and that "the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development do not exist".
The Inspector did not accept the developer's argument that permission should be granted because the Council had previously considered the site for housing in consultation documents and draft allocations. He said that the underlying considerations which applied at the time of such allocations "might no longer apply" and was now a matter for the Council's Core Strategy process.
