Plot 6, The Stables, Stanbridge Road, Great Billington, LEIGHTON BUZZARD, Bedfordshire, LU7 9JH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Biodiversity, with particular reference to any direct effects on the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Whether the proposal would comply with local and national planning policy having regard to drainage, foul and surface water
• Would the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the development

What decided it

The substantial harm from inappropriate development in the Green Belt, combined with harm from drainage/foul water issues, was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations advanced, so very special circumstances were not established.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with substantial harm from drainage/foul and surface water issues and moderate harm to character and appearance, was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations (unmet need, lack of alternative sites, personal circumstances of occupiers), so the appeals were dismissed.