The design of the proposed eco lodges
The design of the proposed eco lodges

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.

Artists impression of the proposed centre
Buriton eco lodge proposed site
The proposed site (it’s the field in the middle that’s surrounded by a ring of trees).

Text of the decision

Text of the decision made by planning inspector Michael Boniface

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