Fleetwood Farm, North Road, Bretherton, PR26 9AY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the site is a suitable location for the proposal having regard to local and national policy
• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework
• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the proposal would represent an efficient use of land, having regard to the density of the development
• The effect of the proposal on the living conditions of the occupiers of Fleetwood Farmhouse, with particular regard to outlook and sunlight
• 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 identified harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with the unsuitability of the location, are not clearly outweighed by the identified benefits so as to amount to very special circumstances.

The substantial weight given to harm to the Green Belt and modest weight given to unsuitable location were not clearly outweighed by the limited to moderate weight afforded to housing supply benefits, efficient use of land, and biodiversity enhancements, so very special circumstances do not exist.