An appeal to build 20 new homes on a farm in Hatfield has been dismissed following a planning inquiry.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council rejected Ben Lowry's plans to build a "residential development of up to 20 affordable units" at Emmanuel's Farm in Great North Road in April this year.

But the applicant was hoping to see this overturned at a planning inquiry held last month.

While the planning inspector acknowledged the need for affordable housing, the harm that would have been caused to the Green Belt saw him dismiss the appeal.

"The proposal is inappropriate development and would reduce openness of the Green Belt," the planning inspector said.

"Other considerations weighing in favour of the development must clearly outweigh this harm. Principal among these are the benefits of providing affordable housing in an area where there is both an under supply and increasing demand.

"Whilst I acknowledge these, and all other considerations put forward by the appellant, it is clear that all development in the Green Belt is subject to stringent planning policy tests which I have applied here.

"Whilst I have not found the proposal would result in harm to biodiversity this does not provide justification for overcoming the harm identified in respect of the Green Belt.

"I have also found that the proposal would result in harm to the character and appearance of the area and to the living conditions of future occupiers in terms of noise impacts.

"Taken in the round, I find that the proposal would not accord with the adopted development plan for the area when considered as a whole.

"Accordingly, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed."

To view the planning inspectors decision, visit acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/CaseSearch.aspx, and search 'Hatfield'.