®Planning appeal decision
Kearsley Golf Centre, Moss Lane, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8SF
Planning appeal 3346738 at Kearsley Golf Centre, Moss Lane, Kearsley, Bolton, BL4 8SF (Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council) was dismissed on 10 December 2024 by Inspector Berry A, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies.
application for permission in principle for the demolition of existing driving range facility together with erection of 7no dwelling units with associated garden and parking spaces (access and layout details only)”
- Authority
- Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Berry A
- Postcode
- BL4 8SF
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and any relevant development plan policies
- the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
- whether justification has been provided that clearly demonstrates the existing facility is surplus to requirements
- whether the site edged red is acceptable to achieve a safe and accessible access
- if the development is inappropriate, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development
What decided it
The proposal would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt with a greater impact on openness than the existing development, and this substantial harm is not clearly outweighed by other considerations, so very special circumstances do not exist.
The substantial weight given to Green Belt harm and harm to character and appearance, relative to the moderate and limited benefits of housing delivery and economic benefits, means the harm is not clearly outweighed by other considerations.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- Policy CG7APPolicy JP-G9Policy JP-P1Policy JP-G1Policy OA6Policy JP-C8Policy JP-C1
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 11Paragraph 103Paragraph 154
- Judgments
- Julian Wood v SSCLG, Gravesham Borough Council [2015] EWCA Civ 195
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 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.