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 substantial harm to Green Belt openness and character and appearance of the area, with no very special circumstances to justify the development. For Appeal D: the re-use of an existing permanent and substantial building as an office would not significantly affect Green Belt openness and could be made acceptable through conditions.

Appeals A and B: the substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and significant harm to character and appearance outweighed the limited weight attached to the appellant's personal circumstances, such that very special circumstances do not exist. Appeal D: the limited harm to Green Belt openness and the ability to address energy efficiency concerns through conditions outweighed any harm, justifying permission subject to conditions.