Bishops Stortford Lawn Tennis Club, Cricketfield Lane, Bishops Stortford, Herts, CM23 2TD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposals would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• the effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• whether the proposals make appropriate provision for car parking, and if not, the effect of any under provision
• 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 (Appeal A only)

What decided it

For Appeal A, the very substantial weight attributed to the benefits of promoting physical and mental well-being through access to padel sport facilities clearly outweighed the limited harm to Green Belt openness, satisfying the very special circumstances test. For Appeal B, the proposal did not constitute inappropriate development as it preserved Green Belt openness.

Appeal A: the limited harm to Green Belt openness (given substantial weight at the lower end of the spectrum) was clearly outweighed by the very substantial benefits to community health and well-being from promoting participation in padel sport, satisfying very special circumstances. Appeal B: no balancing exercise required as the proposal did not constitute inappropriate development.