New Fountain Inn, Church Road, Whimple, EXETER, EX5 2TA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

• Whether the proposed partial change of use of the public house would result in the unacceptable loss of a valued local community facility
• The adequacy of the provision for parking and turning
• Whether the proposal would conserve or enhance the character or appearance of Whimple Conservation Area or affect the settings of the nearby Grade II listed building, Nos 1 and 2 Rose Cottages
• The effects of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to privacy and outlook
• Whether the proposal would provide an adequate means of disposal of surface water drainage

What decided it

The cumulative harms — unjustified loss of a valued community facility, heritage harm, harm to neighbouring living conditions and inadequate parking — outweighed the modest public benefits of the scheme.

The modest public benefits from housing delivery, economic activity and provision of an alternative public house did not outweigh the less than substantial harm to heritage assets, harm to living conditions, the unjustified loss of a valued community facility, and inadequate parking, so the balance favoured refusal in accordance with the development plan.