Rose Farm, Westmarsh Drove, Westmarsh, Ash, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 2DD

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside, whether the site complies with the relevant policies relating to the location of gypsy/traveller sites, and also the level of flood risk to the occupants of the site (Appeal A)
• Whether conditions nos 2, 3 and 4 imposed on the planning permission granted under APP/X2220/C/17/3180882 are necessary and reasonable having regard to the effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside and the circumstances of the case (Appeal B)

What decided it

The lack of any suitable alternative accommodation for the gypsy/traveller occupants, combined with the best interests of resident children and their personal circumstances, justified granting a further temporary (two-year) permission despite the identified harm to character, appearance and flood risk.

The significant weight given to the appellants' personal circumstances, the best interests of the children and the absence of alternative accommodation outweighed the significant harm to the character and appearance of the countryside and the flood risk harm, resulting in a further two-year temporary permission rather than dismissal.