Atcost Barn, Glen Farm, Sandy Lane, Lower Failand, BS8 3SE

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
• the effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the appeal site is in a suitable location for new housing, having regard to the proximity to local services
• whether any 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

What decided it

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and reduced openness, together with the unsustainable location, are not clearly outweighed by the moderate weight given to the housing land supply shortfall, fallback position, and other benefits, such that very special circumstances do not exist.

The substantial weight given to harm to the Green Belt (inappropriateness and loss of openness) and limited weight given to the unsustainable location were not clearly outweighed by moderate weight for the fallback position and housing land supply shortfall, moderate weight for one self-build dwelling on a small site, and limited weight for environmental and economic benefits, resulting in the balance tipping against the proposal.