84 Gidley Way, Horspath, OXFORD, OX33 1TG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Appeal A: whether the breach of planning control alleged in the notice is inappropriate development in the Green Belt; the effect on character and appearance of the area; whether harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations
• Appeal B: whether the breach of planning control alleged in the notice is inappropriate development in the Green Belt; the effect on character and appearance of the area; whether harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations
• Appeal C: whether the matters stated in the notice have occurred; whether the use has become lawful through the passage of time; the period for compliance
• Appeal D: whether the breach of planning control alleged in the notice is inappropriate development in the Green Belt; whether the development promotes energy efficiency and sustainable design; whether harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations

What decided it

For Appeals A, B and C: the development constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt causing substantial harm to openness and unacceptable harm to rural character, with no very special circumstances to justify it. For Appeal D: the re-use of an existing permanent and substantial building as an office preserves openness and can be made compliant with energy efficiency policies through conditions.

Appeals A and B: the substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and significant harm to character and appearance outweigh the limited weight given to the appellant's personal circumstances, such that very special circumstances do not exist. Appeal D: the limited harm to openness from re-use of an existing building is outweighed by the benefits of bringing the building back into use, subject to conditions.