Ruddles Pool , Maidenhead Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 5TW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• the effect of the proposed development on highway safety
• the effect on the living conditions of nearby residents, with regard to noise and disturbance
• whether or not the need for the proposed development has been justified in this location
• whether or not the specific circumstances of the appellant justify the proposed development
• if the proposal is inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations. If so, would this amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The substantial harm from inappropriate Green Belt development, combined with moderate harm to character and appearance, significant harm to highway safety, and adverse effects on residential living conditions, was not clearly outweighed by the benefits of providing a place of worship and community facility for the local Muslim community.

The substantial weight given to the harm from inappropriate Green Belt development, moderate harm to character and appearance, and significant harm to highway safety and residential amenity was not clearly outweighed by the substantial weight given to the provision of a permanent place of worship and community facility for the local Muslim community and the advancement of equality of opportunity under the Public Sector Equality Duty.