South Zeal Methodist Church, South Zeal, Oakhampton, EX20 2LA

Planning appeal 3319823 at South Zeal Methodist Church, South Zeal, Oakhampton, EX20 2LA (Dartmoor) was dismissed on 10 November 2023 by Inspector White J, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: the effect of the development on the delivery of housing need within Dartmoor given its location within a rural settlement, type and size of housing proposed.

change of use and conversion of redundant former chapel into self-build residential unit

Authority: Dartmoor
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Change of use
Inspector: White J
Postcode: EX20 2LA

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the delivery of housing need within Dartmoor given its location within a rural settlement, type and size of housing proposed
the character and appearance of the host building and the surrounding area, having regard to the location within the South Zeal Conservation Area
the setting of the Grade II listed buildings, Shelley House and Shelley Cottage

What decided it

The proposal failed to comply with the Dartmoor Local Plan's housing policies requiring local needs custom and self-build housing or affordable housing, as there was no mechanism to secure either and the proposed dwelling at 193 square metres significantly exceeded the 93 square metre restriction.

What the Inspector cited

Development plan policies: Strategic Policy 1.1Strategic Policy 1.2Strategic Policy 1.3Strategic Policy 2.7Strategic Policy 3.1Strategic Policy 3.2Strategic Policy 3.4Policy 3.6
National Planning Policy Framework: Paragraph 56Paragraph 78Paragraph 197Paragraph 203

How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.

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The decision letter

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The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2023

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The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.