Land off Church Lane, Rangeworthy, Rangeworthy, South Gloucestershire, BS377ND

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• whether the development is acceptable in principle in this location
• whether its effect on the setting of the Grade II* listed Church of the Holy Trinity and the Grade II* listed Rangeworthy Court would cause harm to the significance of either or both of those designated heritage assets
• the effect on the character and appearance of the area
• the impact on biodiversity
• the effect on neighbouring living conditions
• if any heritage harm and/or development plan conflict would result from any or all of the above, whether public benefits would outweigh that heritage harm identified, and whether any material considerations exist that justify a decision otherwise than in accordance with the development plan

What decided it

The substantial weight attributable to the significant unmet need and shortfall in Gypsy and traveller pitch provision, combined with the personal circumstances of the occupying households, outweighed the limited heritage and character harm identified.

The public benefits of addressing the shortfall in Gypsy and traveller pitch provision, reducing unauthorised encampments, and the personal circumstances of the occupying households (including the best interests of the children) outweighed the less than substantial heritage harm and the limited harm to character and appearance, tipping both the heritage balance and the wider planning balance in favour of the scheme.