Pitch 6, Land off Dragons Lane , Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3QB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the proposal is in a suitable location in the countryside and occupants would have reasonable access to facilities and services, having regard to the development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework (the Framework), and the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS)
• the effect of the proposal on the high-pressure gas lines
• the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the area
• the need for, and provision of, sites for gypsies and travellers in the area
• any other material considerations in support, including alternatives and personal circumstances

What decided it

The unacceptable safety risk to occupiers from proximity to high-pressure gas pipelines, weighed against the personal circumstances of each family, determined whether temporary permission could be justified or whether the notice should be upheld.

Very substantial weight attached to the safety risk from the gas pipelines and moderate harm to character and appearance were weighed against significant to very significant weight given to personal circumstances, best interests of the children, and the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches; permanent permission was refused in every case, but for Appeals A, B and E the balance tipped in favour of a two-year temporary personal permission, while for Appeal C the harm still significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits even on a temporary basis.