Fairview, Smeaton Lane, Rugby, CV23 0PS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• the effect of the development on the openness of the Green Belt
• whether the development would be in a suitable location having regard to relevant development plan policies and accessibility to services
• whether the proposal would make adequate provision for biodiversity net gain
• 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 fallback position of the lawful use of the site for caravans, which could be replaced by larger or multiple caravans causing greater harm to openness, combined with the residential and environmental benefits of the proposal, clearly outweighs the harm from inappropriateness and limited openness impact.