Oak Tree Farm, Lenham Road, HEADCORN, TN27 9LG

change of use of land to use as a residential caravan site for two gypsy families with a total of 3 caravans including no more than 2 static caravans/mobile homes

Authority: Maidstone Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Hearing
Development: caravan-gypsy · Minor traveller and caravan pitches
Inspector: Gilbert-Wooldridge T

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
whether any harm would be outweighed by other material considerations

What decided it

The finding that neither scheme would cause harm to the character and appearance of the landscape once appropriate landscaping, lighting and boundary conditions were secured.

As no harm to character and appearance was found, the developments accorded with the development plan and national policy, so no other considerations weighed against granting permission, including the appellant's history of intentional unauthorised occupation.

Framework references: 174

Plan policies cited: Policy DM15, Policy DM30, Policy SS1, Policy SP17

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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