Land south of The Stables, Scant Road East, Hambrook, West Ashling, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 8UB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the effect of the proposal on the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area, with regard to recreational disturbance
• the effect of the proposal on the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area, with regard to nutrient neutrality
• the effect of the proposal on groundwater sources
• the appropriateness of the location for the proposal in the countryside, having regard to access to local services and facilities
• whether the proposal, together with nearby gypsy and traveller sites, would dominate the settled community
• the effect of the proposal on the living conditions of future occupiers, with regard to outdoor space
• the effect of the proposal on highway safety
• whether any harm identified, including conflict with the development plan, would be outweighed by other considerations

What decided it

The unresolved and unsecured Habitats Regulations mitigation for recreational disturbance and nutrient neutrality on the SPA, combined with harm to character and appearance and groundwater, outweighed the benefits of the proposal.

Significant weight given to unmet pitch need, lack of alternative sites and personal circumstances was outweighed by moderate harm to character and appearance and substantial harm to recreational disturbance, nutrient neutrality and groundwater, tipping the balance against the proposal.