Land North Of Warbank Social Club, Layhams Road, BR2 6AR, Close by Post Code:, CR0 9UG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt for the purposes of the Framework and development plan policy
• The effect on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• The effect on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect on biodiversity interests, in particular protected and priority species, the skylark and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
• If it is inappropriate development, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by the other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development

What decided it

The significant weight attributed to the proposal's contribution to renewable energy transition and UK energy security, combined with other benefits, clearly outweighed the substantial Green Belt harm, establishing very special circumstances.

Substantial Green Belt harm (inappropriateness and loss of openness), moderate localised/temporary harm to character and appearance, and limited harm from temporary loss of BMV agricultural land were clearly outweighed by significant weight given to net zero/renewable energy support and energy security benefits, moderate weight for heritage and economic benefits, and limited weight for BNG, such that very special circumstances existed and the balance favoured granting temporary planning permission.