The Stables Stanbridge Road, Great Billington, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the principle of the development accords with the development plan
• The effect on the openness of the Green Belt and the character and appearance of the area
• The need for traveller sites locally and whether the Council can demonstrate a five-year supply of new sites
• The effect on the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• The intended occupiers' personal circumstances including the best interests of any children
• Whether the harm due to inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to constitute very special circumstances (VSC)

What decided it

The cumulative weight of the personal circumstances and other considerations did not clearly outweigh the harm to the Green Belt, conflict with development plan policy, and the likely adverse effect on the Chilterns Beechwoods SAC.

The significant weight given to the personal circumstances and best interests of the children did not clearly outweigh the substantial harm to Green Belt openness, policy conflict, and harm to the SAC, so very special circumstances were not made out.