Issue - meetings

Update from the Development Manager

The Committee noted the Development Manager’s report setting out 15 appeal decisions notified since the last committee and was pleased to report that 11 had been dismissed with only 4 allowed.  Members noted this was a 73% success rate.

The Development Manager drew Members attention to the 4 appeals allowed.  The first appeal related to 19/0439/FUL – 20 New Street, Honiton.  Members had previously refused the application raising concerns about the impact on the amenity of residents from a change of use to a takeaway restaurant.  However the Inspector had allowed the appeal as it was felt there was adequate control in place to not be any harm to immediate neighbours.

The second appeal related to application number 19/1571/FUL – 62 – 64 New Street, Exmouth.   Members noted the Inspector did not agree with members concerns about the extensions that had been carried out without permission and the impact on the street scene and the surrounding residents and allowed the appeal.

The Development Manager also drew members’ attention to planning application 19/1351/FUL – Land at Liverton Business Park, Salterton Road, Exmouth.  Members had raised concerns in relation to climate change in allowing the gas powered energy plant and did not want to support the application due to the council’s climate change declaration.  However the Inspector disagreed and felt that the facility would support the transition to a low carbon future and allowed the appeal.

Members noted that the decision to allow the appeal showed that the Inspectorate were moving towards giving more weight to the climate change emergency.

Finally, the Development Management drew members’ attention to planning application 19/1999/FUL – Barn to South of Grange Farm, Newton Poppleford that officers had refused under Delegated Powers on unsustainability grounds given the location of the site divorced from Newton Poppleford.  The Inspector however considered that the building was close enough to the services and facilities of the settlement to represent sustainable development and therefore allowed the appeal.

Update from the Development Manager