Land south of Cidermill Hatch, Partridge Lane, Newdigate, DORKING, RH5 5BP

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the development is inappropriate within the Green Belt, having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and any relevant development plan policies
• The effect of the development on the openness of the Green Belt and its purposes
• Whether the development accords with local and national policies concerning the location of gypsy and traveller accommodation
• The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
• Whether the site is suitably located in terms of access to necessary services, facilities and public transport
• If the development is inappropriate, whether any harm to the Green Belt, and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations, including any need for the development and the personal circumstances of those living at the site, so as to amount to the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development

What decided it

The Council's inability to demonstrate an up-to-date 5-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches triggered the paragraph 11(d) tilted balance, which was not outweighed by the identified harms.

The character and Green Belt policy conflicts and the harm of intentional unauthorised development were outweighed by the lack of a 5-year pitch supply, the sustainability benefits of a settled base, and limited personal need, so that the adverse impacts did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits and permission was granted.