The Retreat, Lincoln Road, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3AF

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the openness and purposes of the Green Belt
• on the character and appearance of the area
• residential amenity, with particular regard to noise
• whether the development would be at risk from surface water flooding
• whether the harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify it

What decided it

The cumulative weight of unmet Gypsy and Traveller accommodation need, personal circumstances and the best interests of the children was found to clearly outweigh the substantial harm to the Green Belt, establishing very special circumstances.

The substantial weight attributed to Green Belt harm and the moderate weight given to harm to the occupier of Doric Lodge were clearly outweighed by the considerable weight given to unmet Gypsy and Traveller need, the moderate weight given to personal circumstances, and the significant weight given to the best interests of the children, amounting to very special circumstances justifying the grant of permanent permission.