Land at Alnebury, Norwood Hill Road, Norwood Hill, RH6 0EB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposed development upon the openness of the Green Belt, and upon the purposes of the Green Belt in relation to safeguarding the countryside from encroachment
• the effect of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the area
• the need for, and provision of, accommodation for gypsies and travellers within the area
• the accommodation needs and other personal circumstances of the proposed occupiers, and consideration of relevant statutory duties and rights
• if inappropriate development, whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the scheme in the Green Belt

What decided it

The combination of the pressing unmet need for traveller pitches, the absence of a suitable alternative site, and the personal circumstances and best interests of the children amounted to very special circumstances that clearly outweighed the Green Belt harm.

The very special circumstances comprising unmet need, lack of alternative sites, and the personal circumstances/best interests of the children clearly outweighed the substantial Green Belt harm and other harm, justifying a grant of permanent planning permission.