Pitch 11, Land at 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 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 the high-pressure gas pipelines, balanced against the personal circumstances/best interests of the children and the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches, determined whether a temporary personal permission was justified (Appeals A, B and E) or not (Appeal C).

The very substantial harm from an unacceptable safety risk and moderate/limited harm to character and appearance were weighed against significant/very significant weight afforded to personal circumstances, best interests of the children, and the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches; the balance tipped in favour of temporary personal planning permissions for Appeals A, B and E, but against permission (even temporary) for Appeal C.