Issue - meetings

The Development Manager advised Members the Council had received 52 appeals decisions from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 with 39 appeals dismissed and 13 allowed.  Members noted that the majority of appeals had been determined by written representations including 1 Informal Hearing and 1 Inquiry.

The Development Manager was pleased to report the council had received a 75% success rate which was greater than the national average

The Development Manager also reported there were no particular trends for Members to note but emphasised it was becoming more difficult to refuse house extensions if there was anything less than great adverse harm.

The Development Manager updated Members on the cost implications and referred to 6 applications for full awards of appeals costs. Members noted 5 applications had been refused and their attention was drawn to the one award for costs which related to King Alfred Way, Newton Poppleford.  The Inspectorate had awarded costs against the council in the region of £5,000.

In response Councillor Key advised Members to consider the advice from existing experienced members.  Councillor Pook advised Members that although Members should be mindful of Officer recommendations Members should not be afraid to refuse applications.