Land south of White Post Lane, Cobham, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 9BS

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposal would be inappropriate development in the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the openness of the Green Belt
• The effect of the proposal on the landscape character
• Whether the site is suitably located to encourage sustainable travel
• Whether any harm by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm, would be clearly outweighed by other considerations, so as to amount to the very special circumstances required to justify the proposal

What decided it

The significant unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches, the absence of any alternative accommodation, and the best interests of the children collectively amounted to very special circumstances clearly outweighing the Green Belt and other harms.

Substantial weight given to Green Belt harm (inappropriateness and openness), considerable weight to harm from the unsustainable location, and moderate weight to intentional unauthorised development were clearly outweighed by significant weight attached to unmet Gypsy and Traveller need, lack of alternative accommodation and the best interests of the children, so very special circumstances were found to exist and the appeal was allowed.