Pitch 12, Land at Dragons Lane, Sandbach, 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 safety risk from close proximity to the high-pressure gas pipelines (weighed against personal circumstances, best interests of children and the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller pitches) determined whether temporary permission could be justified in each case.

In Appeals A, B and E the very significant/significant weight of personal circumstances, best interests of children and the lack of a five-year supply of deliverable Gypsy and Traveller sites meant the adverse impacts of a two-year temporary permission did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits; in Appeal C the identified harms (safety risk, character harm, IUD) significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits even for a temporary permission, so it was refused.