Bodbury Farm, Wheathill, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 6QU

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether there is an essential need for a rural worker to live at or near their place of work in the countryside, with particular regard to the functional needs and financial viability of the business, and the availability of other suitable existing accommodation in the area
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, having regard to its location within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape
• the effect of the proposed access track on future large scale farming purposes
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers and businesses with regard to noise and odour

What decided it

The absence of a demonstrated essential functional or financial need for a permanent agricultural workers' dwelling, combined with the harm to the character and appearance of the National Landscape, outweighed the modest benefits of the scheme.

The modest benefits (support for a local food business, rural economy benefits, affordable housing contribution, farm security) did not outweigh the harm to the National Landscape and the conflict with countryside protection policies arising from the absence of an essential need.