OS Field 4800, Cholesbury Lane, Buckland Common, Buckinghamshire, HP23 6ND

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development comprises inappropriate development in the Green Belt having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the development on the openness and permanence of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within the Green Belt
• Whether the development conserves and enhances the landscape and scenic beauty of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Whether the development affects ecology and biodiversity in the area
• Whether the development is in a suitable location in terms of its location in respect of adjacent settlements
• The effect of the development on the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation
• Whether there are any other harms arising from the development (for example to the significance of heritage assets)
• Whether there are other considerations weighing in favour of the development (for example the personal circumstances of the appellants, need for Gypsy and Traveller sites and whether a temporary or personal permission may be appropriate)
• Whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, and if so, does this amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The very special circumstances required to outweigh the substantial Green Belt harm, AONB and ecological harm, and the unacceptable risk to the integrity of the Chiltern Beechwoods SAC were not established, even taking into account the personal circumstances of the appellants and the best interests of the children.

The substantial harm to the Green Belt, great weight harm to the AONB and to ecology/biodiversity, the unacceptable risk to the SAC's integrity, and the weight attributable to intentional unauthorised development were not clearly outweighed by the personal circumstances of the appellants, the unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, and the best interests of the children, so very special circumstances did not exist for a permanent, temporary or personal permission.