Chestnuts Farm, Eastcote Lane, Hampton-In-Arden, SOLIHULL, B92 0AS

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 relevant development plan policies
• 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
• Whether this is a suitable location for a waste recycling facility in the light of development plan policies
• 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 weight attached to harm to Green Belt openness and inappropriateness of development, combined with significant harm to character and appearance, was not outweighed by the moderate economic and social benefits claimed, meaning very special circumstances did not exist for the waste, offices and hardstanding/fencing elements; conversely, the track and bunds provided agricultural benefit that outweighed their limited harm to openness.

The substantial harm to Green Belt openness and inappropriateness of development, together with significant harm to character and appearance, was not outweighed by moderate economic and social benefits for the waste recycling, skip hire and offices/workshops uses; however, for the track and bunds, the agricultural benefit to the farm enterprise outweighed the limited harm to openness.