Land at Rapiers, Little London Road, Silchester , Hampshire , RG7 2PP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development protects and enhances valued landscapes or recognises the intrinsic character and beauty of the landscape
• whether the development affects ecology and biodiversity in the area
• the effect of traffic relating to the caravan site on the safe and efficient operation of the highway network in the vicinity of the appeal site and the use of public rights of way
• whether occupiers of the residentially occupied caravans would enjoy satisfactory living conditions, having particular regard to noise and odours
• the effect of the development on flood risk
• whether the caravan site is in a suitable location in terms of its location in respect to adjacent settlements, services and facilities
• whether there are other material considerations that could outweigh any conflict with development plan policies, such as the need for gypsy and traveller accommodation within the District and the personal circumstances of the appellant and other site occupiers

What decided it

The cumulative harm to landscape, ecology, highway safety, living conditions and flood risk, amounting to conflict with the development plan, was not outweighed by the need for gypsy and traveller accommodation or the personal circumstances of the prospective occupiers.

Great weight attached to conflict with the development plan (landscape, ecology, highway safety, living conditions and flood risk harms) plus modest weight against the intentional unauthorised nature of the development were not outweighed by the considerable weight given to the need for gypsy and traveller accommodation and the personal circumstances of prospective occupiers, including the best interests of children.