Brookside Skipton Road, Foulridge, Colne, BB8 7NN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether or not the proposal would be inappropriate development within the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposed extension on the character and appearance of the host building and the area
• If the proposal would be inappropriate development, whether or not the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt causing substantial harm to openness and character, which is not clearly outweighed by other considerations, and Green Belt protection provides a clear reason for refusal displacing the tilted balance despite the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

The substantial weight given to Green Belt harm (inappropriateness and loss of openness) and harm to character and appearance was not clearly outweighed by other considerations; the tilted balance was not engaged because Green Belt protection provided a clear reason for refusal.