Devenish Pitt Farm, Sandpit Hill, Farway, Colyton, EX24 6EG

change of use of a rural building and erection of an extension to form 3no. holiday lets, with associated works

Authority: East Devon District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Change of use
Inspector: Bale M

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect on character and appearance of the area

What decided it

The extension would be substantial in terms of volume and effect on appearance, introducing extensive glazing that would overtly domesticate the building and harm the distinctive rural character it currently contributes to the countryside, contrary to the development plan read as a whole.

The modest economic and tourism benefits of farm diversification were outweighed by the substantial harm to the character and appearance of the rural building and countryside, with the proposal conflicting with the development plan.

Plan policies cited: Strategy S7, Policy E16, Policy D8, Policy D1

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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