Samehill Farm and Land to East , Hagg Lane, Sheffield, S10 5PX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and development plan policy.
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area.
• The effect of the development on the Millstone Edge Rough and Fields Local Wildlife Site and ancient woodland.
• The effect of the development on a historic lane – a non-designated heritage asset.
• If the development is inappropriate, whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development.

What decided it

The Green Belt harm from the operational development (tracks, hardstanding and three buildings) was not clearly outweighed by other considerations, so very special circumstances did not exist for that development, whereas the use and two buildings were found to preserve openness and cause no material harm.

The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and additional harm to character and appearance, a non-designated heritage asset and a Local Wildlife Site, was not clearly outweighed by the appellant's other considerations (including horse welfare benefits), so very special circumstances did not exist for most of the operational development; but the residential/equestrian use and two of the buildings caused no such harm and were permitted.