Planning appeal decision
Bank Top Farm, Mill Lane, Aspull, Bolton, Lancashire, WN2 1QG
Planning appeal 3328355 at Bank Top Farm, Mill Lane, Aspull, Bolton, Lancashire, WN2 1QG (Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council) was allowed on 3 April 2024 by Inspector Smith J, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: Whether or not the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework, including any relevant effects on the openness of the Green Belt, and with regard to any relevant development plan policies.
the conversion of agricultural building to single detached dwelling
- Authority
- Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Change of use
- Inspector
- Smith J
- Postcode
- WN2 1QG
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether or not the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework, including any relevant effects on the openness of the Green Belt, and with regard to any relevant development plan policies
- The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
- The effect of the proposal on the integrity and maintenance of the Public Right of Way (Westhoughton 054)
What decided it
The barn's status as a building of permanent and substantial construction capable of re-use without inappropriate development in the Green Belt, combined with preservation of openness and character, and the ability to condition protection of the Public Right of Way.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy CG7APPolicy CG3Policy OA3Policy P8AP
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 155
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision


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The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2024
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- Dismissed8 April 20253351766Hilltop Stables, Georges Lane, Bolton, BL6 6RT
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- Dismissed10 December 20243346738Kearsley Golf Centre, Moss Lane, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8SF
The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.
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