The proprietor of the bus company explained that the company had provided local bus and school services for 80 years but that its parking facility elsewhere was no longer available. Use of the appeal land was sought until such time as a permanent base could be found.
The inspector found that the parking of five buses on what was formerly part of a field was inappropriate development which harmed the openness of the green belt and involved an encroachment into the countryside. In addition, the buses were incongruous features which marred the character and appearance of the countryside.
The appellant argued that the use was only sought for a temporary period. The inspector recognised that permitting the use for only 12 months would reduce its impact but judged that the harm would still be considerable during that period. The appellant also argued that the hardstanding should be allowed to remain because he was investigating the possibility of using the land as a camping and caravanning site in connection with the 2012 Olympic Games. The inspector did not consider, however, that this was a genuine fallback argument as no planning permission had been granted and there was no guarantee that it would be.
Inspector Nicholas Freeman; Written representations
