The Yard, Murrels Lane, Hockley, Essex, SS5 6AB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework, including any relevant effects on the openness of the Green Belt, and with regard to any relevant development plan policies
• Whether the development provides acceptable living conditions for the occupiers of the caravan
• The effect of the erection of the steel palisade fence and double gates with a barbed and razor wire top trim (the fence and gates) on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• If the development is inappropriate development, whether or not any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the development in accordance with the Framework

What decided it

The substantial Green Belt harm from inappropriate development combined with the unacceptable living conditions for the caravan's occupiers was not clearly outweighed by the limited-weight benefits, so very special circumstances did not exist.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt from inappropriateness, together with harm to living conditions and (for the fence/gates) to character and appearance, was not clearly outweighed by the limited or moderate weight benefits (housing contribution, personal circumstances, site security, economic/social benefits, alternative accommodation uncertainty), so the appeal on ground (a) failed.