Lazy Acre, Watling Crescent, Clifton upon Dunsmore, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0AH

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• The effect of the residential use and associated works on the rural character and appearance of the location.
• Whether there is good access to local services such as schools and health facilities.
• The need, supply and availability of Gypsy and Traveller pitches in Rugby.

What decided it

The significant unmet need and lack of a 5-year supply of Traveller pitches, combined with acceptable (landscaping-mitigated) impacts on rural character, justified granting permission for the caravan use and most operational development, while the unacceptably imposing frontage fencing and gates were refused due to harm to rural character.

Significant weight given to the lack of a 5-year supply of Traveller pitches, the immediate unmet need, and the absence of alternative sites outweighed the limited, landscaping-mitigated harm to rural character for the use, hardstanding, outbuilding and side/rear fencing, but this benefit did not outweigh the unacceptable harm caused by the frontage fencing and gates, which was refused.