The Retreat Elverland Lane, Ospringe, FAVERSHAM, ME13 0SP

Authority: Swale Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Hearing
Development: caravan-gypsy · Change of use
Inspector: Owen A

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area and the landscape and scenic beauty of the Kent Downs National Landscape (NL)
whether the site is suitably located in respect of its accessibility to services and facilities
the effect on highway safety
whether the development would be likely to affect the integrity of the Swale Special Protection Area (SPA), and if so whether a mechanism to secure suitable mitigation has been secured
whether there are other considerations that outweigh any conflict with the development plan

What decided it

The lack of any alternative accommodation for the family and the substantial weight given to the best interests of the appellant's grandson in remaining close to his school outweighed the temporary harms to the National Landscape and accessibility.

the temporary harm to the character and appearance of the NL and poor accessibility were outweighed by the significant weight given to the lack of alternative sites and the substantial weight given to the grandson's educational best interests, justifying a temporary three-year permission

Plan policies cited: Policy DM 24, Policy DM 10, Policy DM 14, Policy ST 1, Policy DC 26, Policy ST 3, SD1, SD2, SD3, SD8, LLC1

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.

What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.

Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.

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