Land East of Warren Lodge, Warren Lane, Finchampstead, RG40 4HR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on the landscape character and appearance of the area
• whether the site is a suitable location for the development, in respect of the spatial strategy for the area
• the effect of the proposed development on trees, including the effect on Veteran Trees
• whether the proposed development would provide satisfactory living conditions for future occupiers, in respect of external amenity space
• whether the site would have access to local services and facilities and sustainable forms of transport
• the effect of the development on highway safety, with specific regard to parking, turning and vehicular access
• the effect of the proposal on the integrity of the Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area (SPA)
• whether any harm arising from the development would be outweighed by other considerations

What decided it

The combined and permanent harm to landscape character, the unsuitable out-of-settlement location, and the harm to protected/veteran trees (an irreplaceable habitat) outweighed the benefits, including the unmet pitch need and personal circumstances.

The significant weight given to unmet Gypsy and Traveller pitch need, lack of alternative sites, and the best interests of the child did not outweigh the significant and permanent harm to landscape character, unsuitable location, and harm to protected/veteran trees, so the balance tipped against the grant of permission.