Land Off Newton Lane , Ledston , West Yorkshire , WF10 2AW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether there is sufficient information to demonstrate that there would be adequate mitigation to reduce the risk of fire, ensure public safety and avoid environmental damage
• The effect of the proposal on the setting of nearby listed buildings
• Whether other considerations clearly outweigh any harm to the Green Belt and any other harm so as to amount to very special circumstances

What decided it

The proposal satisfied the paragraph 155 Green Belt exceptions, meaning it was not inappropriate development and no Green Belt harm arose requiring very special circumstances, while the identified less-than-substantial heritage harm was outweighed by the significant renewable energy benefits.

The less than substantial harm to the setting of Ledston Hall and associated listed buildings, together with localised harm to character and appearance and the temporary loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, was outweighed by the significant benefits of the proposal's contribution to climate change mitigation and electricity network flexibility.