Case 3267885

Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD

Chichester District Council — appeal dismissed

Outcome
Dismissed
Decision date
16 May 2023
Authority
Chichester District Council
Inspector
Orr H
Procedure
Hearing
Casework type
Planning Appeal
Type detail
Unknown
Development type
Change of use
Appellant
Mr Christopher Williams
Agent
BFSGC
LPA reference
FU/20/00956/FUL
ONS LPA code
E07000225
Jurisdiction
Transferred
Link status
Child
Start date
26 May 2021

Summary AI

The inspector dismissed the appeal due to the harm caused by the development's potential impact on the Solent Maritime SAC, despite the family's need for a settled base. The inspector found moderate harm to the character and appearance of the area and significant harm due to the proximity of the site to the SPA and SAC. The decision was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.

Generated from the decision letter — check against the original before relying on it.

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Page 1 · Chunk 0 by Hilary Orr MSc, MRTPI

Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — by Hilary Orr MSc, MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 16 May 2023

Page 1 · Chunk 1 PO18 8DD

Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — PO18 8DD • The appeal is made under section 174 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. • The appeal is made by Mr Christopher Williams against an enforcement notice issued by Chichester District Council. • The enforcement notice, numbered FU/80, was issued on 17 March 2021. • The breach of planning control as alleged in the notice is the material change of use of the land to a use as a residential mobile home/caravan site. • The requirements of the notice are: (i) Cease the use of the land as a residential mobile home/caravan site; (ii) Remove from the land all mobile homes and caravans, portable toilets and washing lines; (iii) Remove from the land all hardcore, stone and chippings forming a hard surface; (iv) Remove the stable building, including its concrete base (in the approximate position shown on the attached plan) from the land; and (v) Following compliance with (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above, level the land and reseed with grass. • The period for compliance with the requirements is 6 months. • The appeal is proceeding on the grounds set out in section 174(2) (a), (f) and (g) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended.

Page 1 · Chunk 2 PO18 8DD

Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — PO18 8DD Since an appeal has been brought on ground (a), an application for planning permission is deemed to have been made under section 177(5) of the Act.

Page 1 · Chunk 3 Field West of Beachlands Nursery, Newells Lane, West Ashling PO18 8DD

Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — Field West of Beachlands Nursery, Newells Lane, West Ashling PO18 8DD • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mr Christopher Williams against the decision of Chichester District Council. • The application Ref FU/20/00956/FUL, dated 9 April 2020, was refused by notice dated 2 October 2020. • The development proposed is a change of use of land to residential, for the stationing of caravans for Gypsy Travellers, also to include a stable, and associated infrastructure and development.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 variation, the appeal is dismissed, the enforcement notice is upheld and planning permission is refused on the application deemed to have been made under section 177(5) of the 1990 Act as amended. Appeal B 2. The appeal is dismissed. Preliminary matters and the notice 3. The appeal site forms part of a wider piece of land that has been subdivided into plots. Consequently, a number of appeals were heard by way of a combined Hearing1. The wider site already has the benefit of a conditional permission allowed on appeal (APP/L3815/W/19/3220300), for the stationing of five static caravans and five tourers for residential purposes, together with associated operational development. These permitted pitches are sited close to and parallel to Newells Lane. 4. The parties agreed in the joint Statement of Common Ground (SoCG) that the gypsy status of the appellant and his family is not in dispute. I have no reason to come to a different view. 5. Following a recent appeal decision (APP/L3815/W/21/3268916) the Council confirmed that they no longer wished to pursue their first reason for refusal, namely the location of the development.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the I have considered the appeal on this basis. 6. At the Hearing the appellant supplied a signed undertaking dated 26 January 2023, to pay the Council the agreed sum for the provision of access mitigation measures in respect of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Areas, as a planning obligation. In view of this, the Council confirmed that they did not wish to pursue this reason for refusal. In the event that the appeal was to be allowed, it would still be necessary for the decision maker to carry out an appropriate assessment for this and the potential for the discharge of nitrogen and phosphorous, into the Solent. 7. I note that the planning application (Appeal B) included a proposed stable with its location shown on the associated block plan. A stable building with a concrete hardstanding, is also shown on the notice plan in a similar position. The Council has not alleged that any equestrian use is taking place on the appeal site, nor is this building included in the allegation. However, the notice does require the removal of the stable building and its concrete base at paragraph 5 (Appeal A). 8.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the I have considered whether it is necessary to correct the allegation in the notice, given that the use of the stable building is currently more akin to an ancillary amenity block. However, there is a considerable gap between the date of the application in April 2020, and the date that the notice was issued in March 2021. Consequently, I cannot be certain how this building was being used when the notice was issued, or during the intervening time. The parties are silent on this point and as such there would be injustice if I were to correct the allegation. For these reasons I am proceeding on the basis that the timber building may be, or may have been, used for the stabling of horses. 1 APP/L3815/C/21/3273750; APP/L3815/W/21/3267885; APP/L3815/C/20/3264513; APP/L3815/W/20/3266164; APP/L3815/C/21/3284975; APP/L3815/W/20/3259313; APP/L3815/W/20/3254259; APP/L3815/C/21/3286063; APP/L3815/C/21/3286065; APP/L3815/C/21/3286064; and APP/L3815/W/21/3285488

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 Main Issues for ground (a) and s78 appeal 9. I consider that the main issues are: • Whether the development represents an acceptable form of development, having regard to the following matters: The character and appearance of the area, having regard to the cumulative impact of the development; • The effect of the development on recreational disturbance, water and nitrates; and • Whether any harm arising from the above matters is outweighed by any other material considerations. Reasons Policy background 10. The emerging Chichester Local Plan 2021 – 2039 sets out a range of mechanisms to meet the needs of the gypsy and traveller community during the plan period up to 2039, including allocating sites and intensification of suitable existing sites. The latest consultation was completed in March 2023 and therefore it is at an early stage and attracts very little weight. Policies in the Chichester District Council Adopted Local Plan: Key policies 2014-2029. (2015) (LP) are therefore pertinent to the determination of this appeal. 11.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (PPTS) in paragraph 25 states that local planning authorities should very strictly limit new traveller site development in open countryside, that is away from existing settlements and ensure that sites in rural areas respect the scale of, and do not dominate, the nearest settled community. Policy 36 of the LP reflects this position. However, neither document provides any guidance, or defines how dominance should be assessed. 12. Policy 36 of the LP specifically deals with the needs of gypsies and travellers and is therefore relevant to the assessment of these appeals. It was originally based on the Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Assessment that was carried out in 2013. However, the Council has carried out a further Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) (2022) which was published in January 2023, which provides an updated position. The policy sets out that where there is a shortfall in provision, sites will be allocated within the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocation DPD. It goes on to set out criteria for assessing the suitability of sites. These criteria will be addressed later in this decision.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Character and appearance and cumulative effect of the development 13. The Council have provided a limited geographical assessment of the ratios of the settled population, compared to the local Gypsy and Traveller population. However, during the discussion at the Hearing, they made it clear that their primary concerns relate more to the cumulative visual impact of the developments. In summary, their position is that the development of this and the other sites subject to appeal, together with the existing permitted sites result in a cluster of Gypsy and Traveller sites, that harm the prevailing character of this rural area, both in scale and density, such that it dominates the nearest settled community.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Character and appearance and cumulative effect of the development 13. The Council have provided a limited geographical assessment of the ratios of the settled population, compared to the local Gypsy and Traveller population. However, during the discussion at the Hearing, they made it clear that their primary concerns relate more to the cumulative visual impact of the developments. In summary, their position is that the development of this and the other sites subject to appeal, together with the existing permitted sites result in a cluster of Gypsy and Traveller sites, that harm the prevailing character of this rural area, both in scale and density, such that it dominates the nearest settled community.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 14. The representative for Funtington Parish Council and the representative from Genesis Town Planning who was speaking for other residents, referred to Census data in their oral submissions. It is their case that if each pitch, where a static caravan and a tourer is permitted, was occupied by more than one family, then this would represent a disproportionate number of Gypsy and Traveller families, when compared to the settled population. I have no factual, or survey evidence before me, to support the likelihood or scale of this scenario, so it can only be treated as speculation. Moreover, if the evidence indicated that this was likely to occur, then a suitably worded condition could be imposed to restrict the occupation of the pitches to one family. 15. The site is located outside the settlement boundary, in an area characterised by agriculture, open countryside interspersed by some agricultural and equestrian buildings, together with sporadic residential development that includes some existing residential caravan sites.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the West Ashling lies 0.6 km from the site, where there are some of the local facilities, such as a pub and school that are generally accepted to serve a local community. Accordingly, I do not consider that the site is ‘away from existing settlements’ for the purposes of the PPTS. 16. The appeal site lies to the north-west of Newells Lane, with the main internal access to all of the sites taken from the lane. There are three internal spur roads, that largely run parallel to each other and Newells Lane. The north- western corner of the appeal site lies in close proximity to the corner of the established caravan site in Scant Lane, although there are several intervening fences between them, that retain visual and physical separation. 17. The Council advise that the local area has planning permission for some 43 pitches, with a further 10 unauthorised and under investigation. They confirm that these are unlikely to be tolerated. The Block plan (BP-01-2020) that accompanied the planning application, shows that there would be one static caravan plus two touring caravans. However, from the personal circumstance evidence, this appeal if allowed, would provide one additional pitch for a single family. 18.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Whilst the site must be considered on its own merits, it must also be assessed in the context of what is happening with the other appeals before me. In the event that all of these appeals were to be allowed and subject to conditions, there would undoubtably be an increase in the number of pitches. I also saw that another pitch has been developed, although this is the subject of an outstanding planning application. As the outcome of this application is uncertain, it does not form part of my assessment. 19. Residential caravan development is often designed at greater density than more traditionally built residential schemes and that is the case here. However, this and the other appeal sites are generally well screened from Newells Lane and the existing sites by existing hedging and fencing. I recognise the concern about these sites coalescing with existing sites. However, from my site visit and walk around the general area, save for the 5 pitches already permitted on this piece of Land, the remaining sites to the north and west remain physically separate. Moreover, the undeveloped land on the corner of Newells Lane and Scant Road, retains the physical and visual separation between the sites. 20.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Turning to the stable building, from the site visit it was clear that a large timber stable block has been built. This building comprised four loose boxes and a large storage barn. There was no evidence of any horses using the

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Turning to the stable building, from the site visit it was clear that a large timber stable block has been built. This building comprised four loose boxes and a large storage barn. There was no evidence of any horses using the

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 stables, or any equestrian activity taking place on the appeal site. One section of the building was being used as a wash and utility room, with another as a dayroom. The appellant confirmed that the remainder of the building was used for domestic storage, connected to the residential use of the site. 21. Extensive hard surfacing has already been laid and extremely limited grazing is shown on the submitted block plan. From the evidence, it is not clear how many horses the appellant intends to keep, their purpose and how they would be given access to an appropriate level of grazing. Moreover, no details have been provided to demonstrate how any equestrian waste associated with the stables will be disposed of. 22. Overall, it is not clear whether the intended use of the building is for stabling, or a domestic building used ancillary to the residential use. Moreover, there is little evidence before me, to justify a stable building on this scale for either purpose. Consequently, on the basis of the evidence I have, I find that this building is unacceptable. 23.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the The development of any residential caravan site on previously undeveloped land will inevitably result in some change to the character and appearance of the area. I find the change has resulted in harm by the generally unsympathetic use of internal fencing and the extensive hard surfacing on this and the other appeal sites. Nevertheless, even when considered cumulatively with the other appeals, the identified harm could not be said to be of a magnitude that it dominates the settled community. Moreover, I consider that the appearance of the site could be improved through a suitable hard and soft landscaping condition, on this and the other appeal sites. 24. For these reasons, I find moderate harm to the character and appearance of the area which conflicts with Policies 36, 45 and 48 of LP that seek to ensure that development respects and has minimal impact on the landscape and rural character of the area. I also find that the stable building is in conflict with Policy 55 of the LP, which aims to mitigate against any additional harm to the environment and safeguard the welfare of horses. Recreational disturbance and nutrient neutrality 25.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the It is not in dispute that the development is sited within the 5.6 km ‘Zone of influence’ of the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area (SPA) and as such has the potential to harm this area of conservation due to increased recreational disturbance. The parties also agree that due to the increase in wastewater from the development, it has the potential to have a significant detrimental effect on the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 26. Since the appeal was lodged, the position regarding mitigation measures for nutrient discharge has changed for all residential development. Generally new development will use the off-site purchase of credits to offset any harm. However, the Council confirmed that they, together with the South Downs National Park, where offsetting sites are located, are seeking to come to a new overarching mitigation strategy. This will include a re-calculation of the chargeable fees for monitoring. Consultation with Natural England on this commenced on 23 January 2023. Once this consultation is complete, a report will be taken to Committee to consider whether to adopt this, or any other, agreed mitigation strategy. In essence, this means that for an undetermined

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 period, no further legal agreements for mitigation will be signed, including at these appeal sites and other residential schemes. 27. The parties have made a number of suggestions to give time to overcome this in the short term. The first is to delay issuing the appeal decisions for an initial period of 3 months. The second would be to grant a temporary planning permission, with all foul sewerage collected and then transported away from the site to Ford, Tangmere or Lidsay, for disposal outside the SAC. The third option is the installation of a water treatment works on the appeal site itself. 28. I accept that this is a very unfortunate and unforeseen position for the appellant. I have considered all of the alternatives in turn. It is clear that there is considerable uncertainty about how long this process will take, whether an agreement will be reached and then adopted. I share the Council’s concerns that it would not be possible to enforce where any wastewater is disposed of, once removed from the site by a third party.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the The appellant acknowledges that the proposal to install a water treatment plant on site would not be adequate in the light of the nutrient issues, so would be prepared to install an alternative. However, I have not been provided with any plans or worked alternative to demonstrate how nutrient neutrality could be achieved. 29. Consequently, given both the sensitive and retrospective nature of the development, I am not satisfied that any of these options would provide an appropriate means to offset any ongoing and significant harm to the SAC. The development is therefore found to be unacceptable in this regard. Other considerations 30. It is agreed that unmet need is a material consideration for this appeal. The Council’s updated position indicates a significant unmet need for 158 pitches. This includes 28 from those who did not meet the Opinion Research Services and the PPTS, definition at the time. A further 82 pitches for those meeting their definition, will be required over the period 2022 to 2026.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Whilst the Local Plan Review is exploring how this unmet need can be addressed, it has increased considerably since the last GTAA and represents a very significant shortfall and, to my mind, represents a failure of policy which weighs heavily in support of the development. 31. The appellant gave evidence at the Hearing about their personal circumstances. From the evidence, the appellant occupies the site with his wife and two children, who range in age from one to five years. A third child is expected in May 2023. The eldest attends primary school nearby. The appellant spoke candidly about his ongoing health problems for which he is receiving treatment at hospital. He outlined the problems he has encountered in receiving appointments and letters from the hospital, whilst living on the road. Having a settled based has largely overcome this problem and he now receives more regular treatment. 32. The needs of the children are a primary consideration of substantial weight but are not necessarily determinative. However, as with all those who travel, a settled base would enable the family to have access to medical care and education and this undoubtably weighs substantially in favour of the scheme.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Furthermore, I acknowledge that the proposal would provide limited further social and economic benefits and would provide an additional Gypsy and Traveller pitch, contributing towards the Council’s targets.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Furthermore, I acknowledge that the proposal would provide limited further social and economic benefits and would provide an additional Gypsy and Traveller pitch, contributing towards the Council’s targets.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 33. The Council confirmed at the Hearing, that there are no alternative, suitable and affordable pitches available for the family to move to. The public site maintained by West Sussex County Council, currently has a waiting list of more than 90 names. All of the above factors weigh significantly in favour of the development. 34. Turning to the criteria set out in Policy 36 of the LP, I have found significant harm due to the proximity of the site to the SPA and SAC. However, the site does not lie within any other nationally designated areas of landscape, historic environment or nature conservation. I have found moderate harm to the character and appearance of the area but not to the extent that it dominates the nearest settled community. I note that the Highways Authority have not raised any objection in terms of highway safety or the impact on the operation of the highway network. No objections have been raised or evidence submitted to suggest that the development would be harmful to those living on the site or nearby. 35. The Council have conceded that the location of the site is acceptable and I have no reason to come to a different view.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the I acknowledge that the site is relatively constrained, but the layout provides sufficient space for parking and manoeuvring of vehicles, together with some amenity space allowing the occupiers to use the available space to satisfy their own requirements. The site is located in flood zone 1 (low risk), and not adjacent to any other incompatible known uses. Matters of surface water disposal can be addressed through a suitably worded condition. Planning balance 36. The planning balance on this and the other sites is very finely balanced. On the one hand there are a number of factors set out above that weigh significantly in favour of the development. These include the contribution of additional gypsy and traveller pitches, meeting the personal needs for this family for a settled base, the lack of alternative sites alongside other social and economic benefits. 37. However, on the other hand and set against these benefits, is the moderate harm I have identified to the character and appearance of the area and the clearly significant harm, stemming from the uncertain position regarding the mechanism, to offset any harm resulting from nutrient discharge to the SAC.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Accordingly, I find that on balance, this identified harm is not outweighed by those matters advanced in support of the proposal. 38. I am very conscious of the appellant’s personal circumstances and the effect that dismissing this appeal is likely to have on him and his family. I have carefully considered the Human Rights issues that are pertinent to this appeal. However, the protection of the public interest cannot be achieved by means which are less interfering of the appellant’s rights. 39. As set out above, the appellant’s evidence makes reference to the family’s medical conditions and I have had due regard to the Public Sector Equality Duty, contained in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, which sets out the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it. Nonetheless,

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 for the above reasons, I consider that the decision is proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. 40. I have also considered whether a temporary grant of planning permission would be appropriate for these appeals. The Planning Practice Guidance advises that's temporary permissions may be appropriate where it is expected that the planning circumstances will change in a particular way at the end of the permitted period. I have acknowledged that the matters relating to nutrient neutrality will need to be overcome at some point in the future. However, there is no evidence before me to provide any certainty over either the timescales, or the mechanisms involved. Accordingly, a temporary planning permission, for 3 years as suggested by the appellant, is not justified, given the serious risk to the Solent Maritime SAC. 41. As I am dismissing the appeal for other reasons, there is no need to consider the appropriate assessment for recreational disturbance further. Other matters 42.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Whilst not forming one of the reasons for issuing the notice, the decision for refusing the planning application (Appeal B) cites the lack of protected species surveys for assessing the biodiversity of the site as one of their reasons for refusal. The Council has suggested a condition to provide a scheme of ecological enhancement, including the installation of bat boxes, bird boxes, additional native hedge planting and the planting of a wildflower meadow in the amenity area. I have no reason to conclude that such a condition would not overcome this objection. 43. Similarly, another reason for refusing the planning application (Appeal B) relates to a lack of information, to demonstrate that surface water drainage can be adequately addressed. The appellant’s statement refers to the topography of the site and suggests that there would be no risk of surface water flooding due to runoff. Notwithstanding this, in the event that the appeals were to be allowed and planning permission granted, I consider that this could be secured through the use of a suitably worded condition. Interim conclusion 44. For all these reasons the appeal under ground (a) fails. Appeal A ground (f) 45.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the The appeal is that the requirements of the notice exceed what is necessary to achieve the purpose of the notice. The purpose of an enforcement notice are set out in section 173 of the 1990 Act and are to remedy the breach of planning control (s173(4)(a)), or as the case may be, to remedy injury to amenity (s173(4)(b)). 46. In this case, the purpose of the notice is to remedy the breach of planning control, by requiring the unauthorised use to cease and buildings to be demolished. An appeal under ground (f) provides some scope for a solution short of a complete remedy as set out above. Any substituted scheme must be precisely defined. The appellant asserts that a temporary permission should have been considered, or an alternative scheme may have overcome some, or all of the Council’s concerns.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 47. I have already found that a temporary grant of planning permission fails for these appeals. With regard to an alternative scheme, there are no plans or details before me to give the necessary degree of detail to demonstrate how the harm I have identified, relating either to nutrient neutrality, or arising from the stable building could be overcome. Accordingly, there is no ‘worked out alternative’, whereby the notice could be varied under ground (f) with the necessary degree of precision. 48. For the above reasons, I find that the steps required by the notice do no more than is required, to remedy the breach of planning control, and lesser steps would not achieve that purpose. Consequently, the appeal on ground (f) fails. Appeal A ground (g) 49. For an appeal under this ground to succeed, it is necessary to consider whether the compliance period of 6 months is too short. The appellant has suggested that an alternative timescale of at least 3 years would be more reasonable. 50. The development must be considered in the context of the identified harm and the time required to undertake the works.

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the I have identified harm to the character and appearance of the area and harm arising from nutrient discharge to the SAC. 51. I acknowledge the ongoing uncertainty over if and how, appropriate mitigation could be achieved. However, as this is an issue that will affect other development proposals coming forward, it is an issue that the Council will need to resolve as quickly as possible. Accordingly, for these reasons I do not consider that an extension of 3 years would be justified and would amount to a temporary grant of planning permission. Nonetheless, under these unusual circumstances, I am satisfied that a period of 12 months represents a reasonable and proportionate timescale. The appeal on ground (g) therefore succeeds to this extent. Conclusion Appeal A 52. For the reasons given above, I conclude that the appeal should not succeed. I shall uphold the enforcement notice with a variation and refuse to grant planning permission on the application deemed to have been made under section 177(5) of the 1990 Act as amended Appeal B 53. I have considered all of the matters that have been raised, but for the reasons outlined above, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed. Appearances for Joint Hearing

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Land To West of Newells Lane, Newells Lane, West Ashling, PO18 8DD — Chichester District Council — and the substitution of 12 months, as the time for compliance. Subject to the Appeal Decisions APP/L3815/C/21/3273750, APP/L3815/C/21/3267885 FOR THE APPELLANTS: Joseph G Jones Agent Christopher Williams Appellant Ben Kirk MSc IHBC Agent Dr Angus Murdoch Agent FOR THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY: Callum Thomas Senior Planning Officer Martin Mew Principal Planner Officer Shona Archer Planning Enforcement Manager INTERESTED PERSONS: Luke Smith Whaleback Planning on behalf of Funtington Parish Council Chris Mitra MA MRTPI Genesis Town Planning on behalf of local residents.

Extracted from the decision letter PDF and shown in full, chunk by chunk.

Main issues and findings

Ecology and biodiversity
Against appellant
¶25

The development's potential impact on the Solent Maritime SAC, due to increased recreational disturbance and nutrient discharge, was found to be unacceptable.

Living conditions
For appellant
¶32

The family's need for a settled base was a primary consideration in favour of the development.

Affordable housing
For appellant
¶31

The development would provide an additional Gypsy and Traveller pitch, contributing towards the Council's targets.

Planning obligations
Against appellant
¶26

The inspector found that the proposed mitigation measures for nutrient discharge were uncertain and would not provide an appropriate means to offset any ongoing and significant harm to the SAC.

Policies relied on

Reference Weight
Policy 36 of the LP
Substantial
Policy 45 of the LP
Moderate
Policy 48 of LP
Moderate
Policy 55 of the LP
Moderate

Site constraints from the Casework Database

Conservation area
Green belt
Listed building setting
AONB
SSSI
Flooding an issue

Source

Decision letter, 10 pages, issued by the Planning Inspectorate on 16 May 2023 under the Open Government Licence.