Field To The South Of Laurel Place Farm, New Road, Churchill

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the need for pitches for Gypsies and Travellers in the area
• the effects of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area, including whether it would preserve or enhance the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
• the effects of the proposal on protected species and the biodiversity interests of the site
• whether a suitable and safe access to the highway could be maintained to serve the development over its lifetime
• the accommodation needs and other personal circumstances of the proposed occupiers, and consideration of relevant statutory duties and rights

What decided it

The high level of unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, the lack of available alternative accommodation, and the best interests of the resident children outweighed the modest harm to the AONB and character/appearance of the area, but only to the extent of justifying a temporary rather than permanent permission.

the high level of unmet Gypsy and Traveller need, lack of alternative accommodation and the best interests of the children outweighed the modest and localised harm to the character, appearance and AONB, tipping the balance in favour of a temporary (3-year) permission rather than a permanent one or dismissal