7 Plaistow Road, Dunsfold, GODALMING, GU8 4PG

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is in accordance with local and national policies concerning the location of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation
• The effect of the development on ancient woodland and the Chiddingfold Forest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area and the local landscape
• The effect of the development on protected species and their habitat
• Whether any harm arising from the development is outweighed by other considerations, including any personal or general need for the accommodation provided by the development and any other benefits arising from the development as proposed

What decided it

The clear and, in some respects, irreversible harm to the ancient woodland and Chiddingfold Forest SSSI was not clearly outweighed by the benefits of the scheme, and there were no wholly exceptional reasons or adequate compensation strategy as required by NPPF paragraph 186.

The benefits of providing Gypsy and Traveller accommodation and allowing existing occupiers (including a child) to remain did not outweigh the harm to the SSSI/ancient woodland, landscape character and protected species, and the resulting conflict with the development plan as a whole, so the appeals were dismissed.