The site lies within the Green Belt where the principle of new residential development is more limited than in urban areas. It also lies within Ripley Conservation Area where the national planning requirement is to ensure that development preserves or enhances the character of the area.

This application was granted at local level following one previous application for larger dwellings on the site. The Council deemed the original application to be too large in terms of scale, size, bulk and amount of hardstanding. Rather than go straight to appeal a compromise was sought to reduce the size.

The Council deemed that the proposal amounted to limited infilling in the Green Belt, as such the proposal was considered appropriate development. The Case Officer was supportive of the design of the proposal that respected the nearby terraced cottages and considered the design to be in keeping with the appearance and character of this part of the Ripley Conservation Area.