Land Adjacent Church Road, Pitsea, Basildon, Essex, SS13 2HD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether, according to national and local policy the development is inappropriate development in the Green Belt (GB), including the effect the development would have on the openness of the Green Belt, and other GB purposes, and any other harm
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• The effect of the development on living conditions of the occupants including future occupants with regard to the location and characteristics of the site
• Whether the development is intentional unauthorised development
• Whether any 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 proposal

What decided it

The very special circumstances arising from the family's personal and health circumstances, the best interests of the children, and the lack of suitable alternative accommodation combined with the shortfall in deliverable Traveller pitches clearly outweighed the substantial Green Belt harm.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, together with minor harm from loss of openness and minor weight against from intentional unauthorised development, was clearly outweighed by the significant weight attached to personal circumstances, unmet need, and lack of alternative accommodation, amounting to very special circumstances justifying permission.