Alderbourne Cottage, Pitch 1, Fulmer Lane, Fulmer, SL9 7BL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposed change of use and the extension represent inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to development plan policies and the National Planning Policy Framework
• whether the site would be a suitable location in terms of accessibility for the proposed dwelling
• the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• its effect on the designated area of Ancient Woodland
• its effect on biodiversity
• whether the development would preserve the setting and significance of the grade II listed building
• its effect on highway safety in terms of visibility at the access
• if the development would be inappropriate, 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 necessary to justify it

What decided it

The proposed change of use would have an adverse impact on the openness of the Green Belt and conflict with its purposes, and this substantial harm could not be clearly outweighed by other considerations to justify very special circumstances.