1 Greenacres Farm West Chiltington Lane, BILLINGSHURST, RH14 9DR

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect, if any, on the character and appearance of the area
• whether the development(s) would have an adverse effect on protected species and their habitats
• whether the new access causes harm to the function and safety of the highways network
• whether the measures for disposal of foul and surface water at the site are adequate

What decided it

The paragraph 11(d) planning balance, under which harm to landscape character and protected species outweighed the appellant's benefits for the development in full, but not for the reduced scheme once the brick pillars, gates and rear hardstanding were excluded.

for the development as alleged in full, the adverse impacts on character/appearance and protected species significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits to the appellant's Gypsy/Traveller family; once the brick pillars, entrance gates and rear hardstanding were excluded, the reduced harm meant the adverse impacts no longer significantly and demonstrably outweighed those benefits, tipping the balance in favour of granting permission for the retained elements