Scarthingwell , Tadcaster , LS24 9PF

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 the effect of the proposal on the openness and purposes of including land in the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the proposal on the setting of heritage assets including Grade II Listed 'East range of farmbuildings at Scarthingwell Hall Farm' (Ref: 1148446), 'West range of farmbuildings at Scarthingwell Hall Farm' (Ref: 1261614), and 'Barn at Scarthingwell Hall Farm' (Ref: 1253732)
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of existing residents
• Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm (if found), would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal

What decided it

The identified benefits, particularly the club's viability case, did not clearly outweigh the significant harm to the Green Belt so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal.

The moderate social/economic benefits, significant biodiversity benefits, and limited environmental/course-improvement benefits did not clearly outweigh the substantial Green Belt harm (and, if included, the heritage harm), so very special circumstances did not exist and the balance tipped against the proposal.