Notwithstanding the underlying purposes of the Green Belt (Para. 138 of the NPPF), where it can be demonstrated that appropriate development can be brought forward in the Green Belt, sites should be considered within the context of their individual circumstances.
Para. 149 of the NPPF confirms that exceptions to inappropriate development in the Green Belt can include for limited infilling of villages. The adopted South Cambridgeshire District Council Local Plan includes for a policy to allow for infilling in the Green Belt (Policy NH/9). Policy GP/GB should equally be clear on the forms of development that would not constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt.
The proposed residential development on Land off Station Road, Harston, is considered appropriate development in the context of Para. 149 and would comprise suitable infill development that would extend only as far as the existing development line of its neighbouring residential and agricultural properties. The proposed residential development would respect the immediate character and would retain the openness of the Green Belt and purpose of the land to the same extent as existing neighbouring development. Land off Station Road is therefore considered suitable to become a residential site allocation as it would comprise a moderate extension to the village and
suitable infill development.