The land at the junction of Rownhams Lane, Bracken Road, North Baddesley, Hampshire, SO52 9FP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The implications of the development for biodiversity within the site
• The effect of the development, individually or in combination with other developments, on nutrient outputs and consequently upon the integrity of the Solent and Southampton Water European Designated Site
• The effect of the development, individually or in combination with other developments, on biodiversity in the area including upon the New Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) and Area of Conservation (SAC)
• Personal circumstances, Gypsy status and best interests of children in occupation
• The level of need for gypsy accommodation in the area (how does this affect the weight I give this site in terms of the provision for any unmet need)

What decided it

The significant, unmitigable harm to on-site biodiversity (SINC habitats) outweighed the benefits of gypsy site provision and the appellant's personal circumstances.

The moderate weight given to personal circumstances/best interests of the children and the significant weight given to the unmet need for gypsy site provision were insufficient to outweigh the significant harm to biodiversity and the resulting conflict with Policy E5 and the development plan as a whole.