Land Lying to the East Side of Lodge Lane, Lodge Lane, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire, HP8 4AX

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the development on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area, which forms part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the AONB)
• Whether the site provides a suitable location for a gypsy and traveller site in relation to its accessibility to shops, services and amenities
• The effect of the use of the existing access on the safety and convenience of users of Lodge Lane
• The effect of the development on biodiversity and the safeguarding of protected species
• Whether the 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 combined Green Belt, AONB, highway safety and undemonstrated biodiversity harm, reinforced by intentional unauthorised development, was not clearly outweighed by the other considerations, so very special circumstances did not exist.

The substantial/significant harm to the Green Belt (including from intentional unauthorised development), harm to the AONB, harm to highway safety and undemonstrated biodiversity impact were not clearly outweighed by the significant weight given to unmet gypsy/traveller need and lack of site supply and the moderate weight given to accessibility, lack of alternative accommodation and personal circumstances, so the balance tipped against the appeals.