Potential for Temporary Increase in Income

In a recent appeal decision which may be of interest to garden centre operators, anInspector allowed the sale or hire of motor-homes from a garden centre in the GreenBelt. The motor-homes, which are not permanent structures, are displayed on anarea of overflow car park. Whilst acknowledging the use is inappropriate in the GreenBelt, the Inspector considered very special circumstances had been demonstrated tooutweigh the harm. The very special circumstances in this case were the fallbackposition, whereby the land could be used for garden centre activity, or for horticulturaluse with associated structures; the benefit to the rural economy in that rental incomehelped to retain employment at the site; the temporary nature of the use and thestructures; and that the use is a ‘not unconnected' leisure business. The permissionwas temporary, limited to 5 years, so that if the garden centre closes, the sale ofmotor homes will not carry on in perpetuity. The decision may be of help to gardencentres seeking temporary ways of increasing income in uncertain times.

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