Greenacres Farm, Brimstone Hill, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0BN

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, including the effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the location is suitable for the proposal having particular regard to the aims of the Framework and the accessibility of services and facilities
• Whether the proposal would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupants having particular regard to the amount of external garden space
• The effect the proposal would have on the landscape and scenic beauty of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Harvel Wooded Downs Landscape Character Area
• The effect the proposal would have on highway safety
• If the development is inappropriate, 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

What decided it

The proposal would re-use an existing permanent and substantial building without intensifying residential use or adversely affecting the openness of the Green Belt, and would therefore not constitute inappropriate development requiring very special circumstances.