The Paddocks, 24 Totteridge Common, London, N20 8NE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the development on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the development would preserve a Grade II listed building, former stable block to Totteridge Park, and any features of special interest that the building possesses, and whether it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Totteridge Conservation Area
• Whether 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 required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The cumulative disproportionate addition to the original building when combined with previous extensions, coupled with the failure to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the Grade II listed building, with no public benefits to outweigh the identified harm, meant the very special circumstances required to justify inappropriate Green Belt development were not established.

The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with the less than substantial but materially significant harm to the listed building (to which great weight must be given), was not outweighed by any public benefits or other material considerations, and therefore the very special circumstances test was not satisfied.