Plot 1 Land off A17 adjacent the River Witham, Sleaford Road, Beckingham, Sleaford, Lincs, LN5 0RQ

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed caravan site would be a well planned, sustainable form of development in an appropriate location
• the effects on highway safety, accessibility to services and facilities, the character and appearance of the land and surrounding area, designated heritage assets and biodiversity
• the proposed infrastructure and utility services to serve the pitch
• the acoustic environment and the effect of the proposed residential use on the operations at the DTE
• potential cumulative effects
• whether any identified harm may be suitably mitigated through compliance with planning conditions

What decided it

The combination of the site's unsuitability in terms of noise from the adjacent MOD training ranges, lack of safe pedestrian access to services, and poor design meant the proposal was not a well-planned, sustainable form of development in an appropriate location, and this could not be overcome by conditions.

The benefits of meeting Gypsy and Traveller pitch need and personal circumstances of the occupiers were outweighed by the harm from noise, poor accessibility, poor design and conflict with the development plan, so the balance weighed against granting permission even on a temporary or personal basis.