Stablebrook, WETHERSFIELD ROAD, Sible Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, Co9 3LB

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• the effect of the development on highway safety
• the effect of the development on biodiversity, including biodiversity net gain
• the effect of the development on the living conditions of site occupants
• the effect of the development on drainage
• whether any harms would be outweighed by other considerations

What decided it

The harm to highway safety caused by intensification of an existing access with poor visibility, combined with significant unresolved uncertainties on biodiversity, living conditions and drainage, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits of contributing to gypsy and traveller site supply and the appellant's personal circumstances.

The provision of 6 pitches (significant weight), the principle of development in this location (moderate weight), and the appellant's personal circumstances (considerable weight) were outweighed by considerable weight given to harm to highway safety and significant weight given to unresolved adverse effects on biodiversity, living conditions and drainage, resulting in the adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighing the benefits.