Berrisford Barns, Sytch Road, Brown Edge, Staffordshire, ST6 8QX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and relevant development plan policies, including the effects on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
• if inappropriate development, 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 harm to the openness and purposes of the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, combined with considerable harm to character and appearance, is not clearly outweighed by the modest benefits of two dwellings and limited social and economic gains, and paragraph 11d)i of the Framework provides a strong reason for refusal.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with considerable harm to character and appearance, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate positive weight of housing supply contribution and limited positive weight of social and economic benefits, resulting in dismissal.