Stella Farm Alpacas, Land North of the Grange, Woodmancote Lane, Woodmancote, Emsworth, Hants, PO18 8UL

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development would be in a suitable location having regard to policies of the LP and the Westbourne Neighbourhood Plan 2021 (the NP), the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework) and whether there is an essential need for an agricultural worker to live on the site
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• If the development is unacceptable in any of these regards, whether there are benefits or other factors that outweigh the harm caused and so justify granting planning permission

What decided it

The absence of evidence demonstrating that the alpaca farm business is, or will become, a viable enterprise meant an essential need for a rural worker to live on site had not been established.

The significant benefits of a temporary permission enabling potential business growth and safeguarding the appellant's human rights were outweighed by the significant harm arising from conflict with the LP's countryside location and character and appearance policies.