The Stables, Doctors Hill, Corsham, SN13 8AT

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and relevant development plan policies
• Whether the site is in a suitable location having regard to the development plan policies concerned with housing in the countryside
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the landscape with reference to the Cotswold National Landscape
• Whether the residential accommodation provides acceptable living conditions for the occupiers of the accommodation with regard to living space
• The effect of the development on the Bath & Bradford on Avon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with reference to bats

What decided it

Applying NDMP S5, the benefits of the development, particularly the provision of a housing unit and the material inconsistency of conflicting development plan policies with NDMP GB7, are not substantially outweighed by the limited adverse effects.

The conflict with development plan policies restricting countryside housing is given very limited weight due to material inconsistency with NDMP GB7; the substantial benefit of housing provision under NDMP HO7 and moderate benefits from economic and environmental considerations outweigh the limited adverse effects including the unauthorised nature of the development.