Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the Planning Committee meeting held on 23 September 2025 and 21 October 2025

The minutes of the Planning Committee meetings held on 23 September and 21 October 2025 were confirmed as true records.

Guidance is available online to Councillors and co-opted members on making declarations of interest

Minute 52. 25/1638/FUL (Minor) NEWTON POPPLEFORD & HARPFORD

In accordance with the Code of Good Practice for Councillors and Officers dealing with planning matters as set out in the Constitution, the Chair, Councillor Olly Davey, on behalf of the Committee, advised lobbying in respect of this application.

Minute 54. 25/1409/FUL (Minor) EXMOUTH TOWN

In accordance with the Code of Good Practice for Councillors and Officers dealing with planning matters as set out in the Constitution, the Chair, Councillor Olly Davey, on behalf of the Committee, advised lobbying in respect of this application.

Minute 53. 25/1034/FUL (Other) BEER & BRANSCOMBE

In accordance with the Code of Good Practice for Councillors and Officers dealing with planning matters as set out in the Constitution, Councillors Brian Bailey and Ian Barlow advised lobbying in respect of this application.

Information on matters of urgency is available online

There were no matters of urgency.

To agree any items to be dealt with after the public (including press) have been excluded. There are no items that officers recommend should be dealt with in this way.

There were no confidential or exempt items.

Update from the Development Manager

The Committee noted the appeal statistics report and received brief updates on two appeals allowed.  The Development Manager highlighted planning application 24/2515/PIP – land at Slade Farm, Slade Road, Ottery St Mary explaining that while the Inspector acknowledged some landscape harm and amenity impacts, significant weight was placed on the Council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.  Applying the titled balance, the Inspector concluded that the development was sustainable overall.

Members were reminded that the second appeal concerned Salcombe Regis Camping and Caravan Park, Salcombe Regis.  The applicant appealed against a condition restricting stays to no more than 25 weeks in any 12-month period.  The Inspector found the condition to be unreasonable and unnecessary, noting that the Council’s standard wording lacked precision and enforceability because it did not require the site owner to record arrival and departure dates.  Costs were also awarded against the Council.

Land adjoining West Hayes, Eastfield, West Hill, EX11 1GG.

Please note that this is a deferred application and public speaking will not be reopened.

Councillors Kim Bloxham, Bethany Collins and Mike Howe did not participate in the discussion or vote on this application as they had not attended the site visit.

Applicant:

Mr Paul Hunt.

Location:

Land adjoining West Hayes, Eastfield, West Hill, EX11 1GG.

Proposal:

Outline application for the erection of 9 dwellings, including 4 affordable dwellings and associated parking.  Approval sought for access, appearance, layout and scale (matters reserved:landscaping)

RESOLVED:

The Appropriate Assessment be adopted.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Council advises the Planning Inspectorate that members were minded to refuse planning permission for the following reasons set out below, with the precise wording to be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning Strategy and Development Management:

1.    Outside the built-up area boundary, contrary to Strategies 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the East Devon Local Plan

2.    Loss of trees and future pressure to fell trees adversely impacting on the amenity and wooded character of the area, contrary to D1, D3 and NP26 of the East Devon Local Plan.

3.    Adverse impact on protected species and biodiversity.

4.      In the absence of a signed Section 106 Agreement, no mechanism to deliver affordable housing.

Land adjoining Shepherds Court, Lower Lane, Ebford.

Please note that this is a deferred application and public speaking will not be reopened.

Councillors Kim Bloxham and Bethany Collins did not participate in the discussion or vote on this application as they had not attended the site visit.

Applicant:

Mr Ian White (RBL Homes)

Location:

Land adjoining Shepherds Court, Lower Lane, Ebford.

Proposal:

Permission in principle for the erection of 5 self-build dwellings.

RESOLVED:

1.    The Appropriate Assessment be adopted.

2.    Approved in accordance with officer recommendation.

Elmside, Newton Poppleford, EX10 0BY.

Applicant:

Mrs Karin Boase.

Location:

Elmside, Newton Poppleford, EX10 0BY.

Proposal:

Part retrospective full planning application: Proposed incidental outbuilding (garage/workshop) and change of use of paddock to residential use and retention of existing access.

RESOLVED:

Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation.

29 Glebelands, Newton Poppleford, EX10 0HB.

Applicant:

Beverley Raw.

Location:

29 Glebelands, Newton Poppleford, EX10 0HB.

Proposal:

Proposed raised ridge level to create first floor living space, rear dormers and change of external materials.  Relocation of front door and porch and construction of raised decking to the rear.

RESOLVED:

Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation.

The Sea Shanty, Branscombe, Seaton, EX12 3DP.

Applicant:

Jurassic Saunas.

Location:

The Sea Shanty, Branscombe, EX12 3DP.

Proposal:

Change of use of land for the siting of a mobile sauna unit (retrospective)

RESOLVED:

Deferred to request updated Flood Risk Assessment and Flood Warning and Evacuation Plan.

Flat 1, 8 Church Street, Exmouth, EX8 1PE.

Applicant:

Mr Mark Williams.

Location:

Flat 1, 8 Church Street, Exmouth, EX8 1PE.

Proposal:

Proposed change of use from a residential garden to a beer garden for the adjoining public house including new boundary fences and existing boundary wall increased in height.

RESOLVED:

Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation subject to the deletion of Condition 6 relating to hours of use.