The Planning Inspectorate has approved proposals for a controversial electric car charging station and 60 eco lodges on land next to the A3 Buriton junction.
Its decision overturns a ruling by the South Downs National Park Authority and means the development can now be built.
The proposed charging station for electric cars alongside the A3 was rejected by planners but the developer appealed against the decision.
Now the Planning Inspectorate has overturned the national park.
Inspector Michael Boniface has issued a 27 page ruling.
In it he suggests the site does not contribute in any meaningful way to the national park landscape, because it’s dominated by the A3.
He criticises the National Park planners for picking holes in the landscape assessment put forward by the developer but not carrying out a landscape assessment of their own.
He also dismisses fears that the facility will do damage to our dark skies.
It means that sixty eco lodges and an electric car charging station can now be built near Buriton.
Only The High Court can overrule the decision.
Text of the decision
Full ruling
You can see the full report and decision document here
Reaction
The South Downs National Park Authority says:
We’re naturally very disappointed with the outcome of the appeal and will be reflecting on the Planning Inspector’s decision.
SDNPA Statement, issued 30 March 2023
Well what’s the point of having a South Downs National Park Authority?????
I suppose the land on the other side of the road (near this site) can also now be developed with a lovely 70 bed hotel being put on it, which is currently undergoing planning permission.
So much for ‘Local Authority’ protecting our treasured land scape!!
I’m sure it will include an 10 foot wooden fence around the plot so it’s no possible to see the south downs from the a3 anymore. No point having a South Downs park if you can’t see it even if you are driving.
Not only a shame for the area of Buriton, this will sadly set a precedent for further development of land across the South Downs National Park. Incredibly disappointed at this decision.