Land at New Oak Farm, Hardwick Lane, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 0AA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the proposal on the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (the SPA)
• the issue of biodiversity net gain (BNG)
• the question of the need for and supply of gypsy / traveller sites
• the personal circumstances of the appellant
• 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 significant unmet need for gypsy/traveller pitches, absence of any realistic alternative site, and the best interests of the appellant's young child together established very special circumstances that clearly outweighed the Green Belt harm.

The very special circumstances relating to unmet gypsy/traveller need, lack of alternative sites, and personal circumstances (including the best interests of the child) clearly outweighed the harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness and loss of openness.