LAND OPPOSITE 136-144 WARGRAVE ROAD, TWYFORD, RG10 9PN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal would constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt with regard to the development plan, National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and PPTS
• 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
• whether the location of the proposal accords with local policies that seek to limit the need to travel by private vehicle
• the effect of the proposed development upon trees
• 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 availability of alternative accommodation
• the personal circumstances of the proposed occupiers
• 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 best interests of the appellant's children, combined with the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year supply of PPTS traveller pitches, outweighed the temporary (rather than permanent) Green Belt and character harm, amounting to very special circumstances justifying a temporary personal permission.

For a permanent permission the substantial Green Belt and other harms were not outweighed by other considerations, so permanent permission was refused; for a temporary permission, the personal circumstances (especially the best interests of the children) and the shortfall in PPTS pitch supply, weighed against only temporary Green Belt harm, clearly outweighed that harm, amounting to very special circumstances justifying a temporary five-year personal permission.