Plot B2 Moor Drove, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AN

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the purposes of including land within the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the proposal complies with the requirements of Policy H/22 of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018
• Would the harm by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm, be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The combination of substantial unmet Gypsy and Traveller pitch need, the lack of any alternative available sites, and the best interests of the children amounted to very special circumstances clearly outweighing the Green Belt and other harm.

The substantial harm from inappropriateness and to the openness and purposes of the Green Belt, together with minor harm to character and appearance and minor harm from intentional unauthorised development, was clearly outweighed by the substantial unmet need for pitches, the considerable lack of alternative sites, and the significant weight given to health needs and the best interests of the children, amounting to very special circumstances.