Ward Lane, Barlborough, Chesterfield, S43 4JD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt, including any impact on openness, having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the proposal on heritage assets or their settings, including the Grade I, Grade II* and II listed buildings including Barlborough Hall, The Stable Block, and Gazebo, the Grade II Registered Park and Gardens of Barlborough Hall, and the Barlborough Conservation Area
• The effect on the living conditions of occupiers of the development with regards to noise from the surrounding area
• Would the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The risk of homelessness to the appellant and his family, combined with the acute housing shortage and the temporary nature of the permission, constituted very special circumstances that outweighed the harm to the Green Belt and heritage assets.

The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and impact on openness, and less than substantial harm to heritage assets, were outweighed by the material considerations including the prevention of homelessness, the acute housing shortage, the reversibility of the changes, and the limited two-year temporary period.