Dene End, Sands Lane, Tilford Nr Farnham, GU10 2BA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed development amounts to inappropriate development in the Green Belt, having regard to the Framework, and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect on the openness of the Green Belt
• Whether the proposal would have an adverse effect upon protected species, in particular bats
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the property
• If the proposed development amounts to inappropriate development in the Green Belt, 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 proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the Green Belt without very special circumstances, compounded by insufficient evidence to demonstrate no adverse effect on protected species.

The harm by reason of inappropriateness and potential harm to bats, to which substantial weight was given, was not clearly outweighed by the moderate weight afforded to the sustainability benefits of reusing the existing building and the negligible impact on openness, such that very special circumstances do not exist.