Plot 01, Sunset Park Homes, Whitfield, BRACKLEY, NN13 5TD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed increase in the number of caravans, including any cumulative effects, is acceptable having regard to the location of the site within the countryside and the proximity to services and facilities in the surrounding area
• The effect of the proposals, including any cumulative effects, on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside
• Whether the proposed site would provide suitable living conditions for future occupants with particular regard to amenity space and privacy
• Whether in the absence of any provision for touring caravans the proposed site would be suitable for Gypsies and Travellers
• The need for and supply of Gypsy and Traveller sites within Buckinghamshire, including whether there is a five year supply of Gypsy and Traveller sites
• The availability of alternative sites
• The accommodation needs and personal circumstances of the appellants
• The Gypsy and Traveller status of the occupants of the site

What decided it

The finding that the proposals, taken together, complied with the development plan as a whole (limited countryside harm outweighed by acceptable living conditions and a pressing need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches) meant permission should be granted under paragraph 11 of the Framework.

The limited weight attributed to the intentional unauthorised development and the limited, localised harm to the character and appearance of the countryside (Plots 1, 1A and 2) did not outweigh the acceptable living conditions, reasonable access to services, and the pressing need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, so the proposals were found to comply with the development plan as a whole and permission was granted.