Land to the east of Little Hatts Recreation Ground, Tickner Close, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2SW

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the objectives of the development plan for the provision of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation
• the effect on internationally important nature conservation sites

What decided it

The inability to demonstrate viable utility service provision under Policy DM31 and the inability, following appropriate assessment, to rule out adverse effects on the integrity of the New Forest designated sites from recreational disturbance defeated the residential Gypsy and Traveller element of the scheme.

The benefits of meeting an identified unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and the appellant's personal circumstances did not outweigh the unresolved harm from lack of viable utility services and undischarged risk to the integrity of the New Forest habitats sites, so the residential use and dayroom were dismissed, while the underlying agricultural and equestrian mixed use and associated operations, causing no identified harm, were permitted.