Land at All Seasons Farmhouse, The Chase, Galleywood, CHELMSFORD, CM2 8FX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the appeal scheme would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the revised Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the appeal scheme on the character and appearance of the area
• If the appeal scheme is inappropriate development, 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 appeal scheme

What decided it

The substantial weight attached to the harm caused by inappropriate development in the Green Belt and moderate harm to openness and character, which was not clearly outweighed by the economic and community benefits of the business, as the appellants failed to demonstrate it could not feasibly be located outside the Green Belt.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and moderate visual harm to openness, together with moderate harm to character and appearance, were not clearly outweighed by the significant benefits of employment provision and community services, as the business could potentially be located outside the Green Belt.