The Planning Inspector has made a decision not to accept an appeal by a developer after their application was rejected - for a development in Ottery St Mary.
His comments could have profound implications for the planning application for the development at Knowle in Sidmouth...
This is the report from today on the Herald's website:
End of the road for ‘highly unpopular’ 52-home development plan in Ottery St Mary
28 May 2016 Eleanor Pipe
Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal
A ‘highly unpopular’ and ‘damaging’ 52-home development plan in Ottery has reached the end of the road as an appeal against its refusal was dismissed.
An application by Blue Cedar Homes to build at Slade Farm received 410 formal objections and was rejected by East Devon District Council last year in a move hailed a ‘victory for people power and common sense’.
The company lodged an appeal against the decision in January 2016, but its case was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate on Tuesday.
One campaigner has labelled the decision an important precedent against inappropriate planning decisions, not just in Ottery, but across the whole of East Devon.
District and town councillor Roger Giles said: “I am absolutely delighted that the planning inspector has recognised the harm that this totally inappropriate and highly unpopular planning application would cause and has dismissed the appeal.
“Many people will be very pleased, and also relieved at the decision. I would like to offer my congratulations and thanks to the many local people who took the time to oppose this damaging planning application.
“Let us hope that speculative developers will study the planning inspector’s decision - and leave Ottery alone - we have had more than enough planning approvals recently.”
Blue Cedar specialises in providing homes for over-55s and its plans included provision of ‘age-restricted’, open market and ‘affordable’ properties at Slade Farm.
St Mary’s Park resident Grenville Gilbert – a former planning law advisor – was an outspoken opponent of the proposed development.
He said: “As local residents, we are very pleased indeed with the outcome. It’s important as a precedent for anything else that goes on in East Devon as well. It’s an important decision not just for us, but for everybody.”
In his report, planning inspector Jonathan Manning cited several reasons for dismissal, including the harm it would cause to the character of the area, loss of the most versatile agricultural land and the fact it does not represent sustainable development.
End of the road for ‘highly unpopular’ 52-home development plan in Ottery St Mary - News - Sidmouth Herald
Ottery over-55s homes rejected by planning inspector | East Devon Watch
The Appeal Decision can be found at the District Council's planning website for the application:
15/1663/MOUT | Outline planning application for the construction of up to 52no dwellings incorporating age restricted open market and affordable dwellings together with associated infrastructure (all matters reserved except for access) | Land Adj. To Slade Farm Slade Road Ottery St Mary
These are the most important points from the Inspector's report - which will have implications for other similar planning applications - notably at Knowle:
> The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment that supports the application states that 'the development would be visually intrusive and would adversely effect upon the landscape'. The Inspector agreed, stating that the development 'would cause demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the area'.
> The Strategy 34 'District Wide Affordable Housing Provision' of the Local Plan sets out that developments should make provision for 25% affordable housing.
> 'The proposal does not represent sustainable development'
http://planningapps.eastdevon.gov.uk/Planning/StreamDocPage/obj.pdf?DocNo=2306497&PDF=true&content=obj.pdf
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