The Hayloft Ring O Bells Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, L40 5TE

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; and if so the effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the host property, with particular regard to its design and size
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of nearby occupiers, with particular regard to privacy
• Whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, and if so, whether this would amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal

What decided it

The proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt that would reduce openness and harm the character and appearance of the host property, and the personal circumstances and other considerations advanced do not clearly outweigh this harm to justify very special circumstances.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and reduction in openness, together with harm to character and appearance, was not clearly outweighed by the appellant's personal circumstances, potential permitted development rights, or space standards considerations, and therefore very special circumstances did not exist.