| 1. | The site is within the area identified in the Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document and Proposals Map as Green Belt. The Development Plan Document, the London Plan and Government Guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework all seek to protect the Green Belt from inappropriate development that would have a material impact on its openness and on the purpose of including land within it. The proposed development is considered to be inappropriate development that would have a materially harmful impact on the the Green Belt. Significant weight needs to be given to this harm. Such development should only be permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that there are 'very special circumstances' sufficient to outweigh the harm that would be caused to the Green Belt and any other harm that would arise. No 'very special circumstances' have been demonstrated in this case that are sufficient to outweigh this harm. The use of the site for the sale of used cars would involve an intensive use of currently open land which would result in development of alien appearance in the locality that would have a materially adverse impact on the character and appearance of the Green Belt and the countryside generally. As a consequence the proposal would be contrary to the guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies DC45 and DC61 of the Havering Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document and Policy 7.16 of the London Plan. |
