URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4319

Decision Maker: Planning Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report by the Senior Planning Officer (SE) (circulated previously) regarding planning application 80389.   The Senior Planning Officer (SE) advised the Committee of typographical errors contained within the report and that all references to “Protected Landscape” should state “National Landscape”.   The Senior Corporate and Community Services Officer read out a statement received from Luke Mendham (supporter).   Alan Green (applicant) and Christopher Wilkinson (agent) addressed the Committee.   Councillor Wilkinson, in his capacity as Ward Member addressed the Committee in support.   In response to comments made by the speakers, the Service Manager (Development Management) advised the following:   ·       That local support was not on its own, a reason to support an application. ·       Planning applications had been previous refused on the site and the recommendation was consistent with previous advice given. ·       Schemes in other areas may be acceptance.  Each application needed to be determined on its own merits. ·       The Conservation Officer was a very experienced officer.   In response to comments made by the speakers, the Senior Planning Officer (SE) advised the following:   ·       The three properties located towards Mortehoe were not read in the same context. ·       The application had been considered in its context within the Conservation Area Character Appraisal.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Senior Planning Officer (SE) advised the following:   ·       A previous planning application on the site proposed the demolition of the Blue Bay guesthouse building and garage and replace with a new dwelling, together with a new build dwelling. This application proposed the demolition of the garage only and replace with a new dwelling. ·       Showed the access to the site on the plan which was located to the south of Blue Bay guesthouse. ·       Showed the location of Blue Bay guesthouse on the photo and the proposed block plan and eastern flank of the proposed dwelling which would encroach into the space. ·       Showed the location partially behind and encroaching Harold Lodge.   The applicant confirm that the site was directly behind Harrow Lodge and west of Blue Bay guesthouse.   The agent advised that no photo montage had been submitted unless it was contained within the design statement and that the site was predominately behind Harold Lodge.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Service Manager (Development Management) advised the following:   ·       That the recommendation was also based on design and appearance concerns and its location within the National Landscape. ·       Self build and passive house were material considerations to be given moderate weight in the planning balance. ·       The Planning Policy team had advised that there was an adequate level of self builds being build out. ·       The AONB Manager and Conservation Officer had concerns regarding the visual impact, design and materials and how it sits in the National Landscape.  The Conservation Officer was not sympathetic to the application. ·       The current application did not present itself well in terms of assessing the visual impact. ·       It would not be possible to apply a condition in relation to permanent residency.   RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be DEFERRED for two cycles:   (a)  for the applicant to submit additional information including photo images, levels, cross sections and how it sits in the National Landscape; and (b)  that the Conservation officer be invited to attend the meeting of the Committee to explain why the proposed dwelling did not fit in the landscape.

Date of Decision: September 3, 2025