3 Broad Lane, Downholland, Ormskirk, L39 7HS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the Framework and relevant development plan policies
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the appeal site is a suitable location for the proposal, having regard to its accessibility by public transport
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbours, with particular regards to noise and disturbance
• whether the proposal results in the unacceptable loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land
• if the proposal is inappropriate development, 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 required to justify the development

What decided it

The proposal is inappropriate development in the Green Belt that fails to minimise impact on openness and lacks evidence of unmet need, and the substantial harm to the Green Belt and character and appearance is not clearly outweighed by other considerations.

The substantial weight given to the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and the substantial weight given to harm to character and appearance, taken together, are not clearly outweighed by the substantial and significant weight of other considerations including health benefits and environmental enhancements.