®Planning appeal decision
Oak Tree Stables, Vigo Road, Fairseat, Kent, TN15 7LR
Change of use of land from equestrian use to use for the stationing of 2 x mobile homes for residential use with associated 2 x touring caravans, and cess pit
- Authority
- Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Inquiry
- Development
- caravan-gypsy · Minor traveller and caravan pitches
- Inspector
- Board D
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the scheme on the openness and purpose of the Green Belt
- the effect of the scheme on the character and appearance of the area
- if the development is inappropriate, 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 necessary to justify the development
What decided it
The cumulative weight of the unmet need for gypsy and traveller sites, the personal circumstances of the family, and the best interests of the children clearly outweighed the Green Belt harm, amounting to very special circumstances.
The harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness, together with limited weight against the intentional unauthorised development, was clearly outweighed by the unmet need for gypsy and traveller sites, the significant weight given to personal circumstances, and the substantial weight given to the best interests of the children, amounting to very special circumstances justifying a permanent personal permission.
Framework references: 147, 148
Plan policies cited: CP3, CP14, CP20, CP24, SQ1, SQ18
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.