Planning appeal decision
Barns Westacott From Ford Cross to Poadmarsh Cross Ash Mill, Poadmarsh Hill, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4QY
Planning appeal 3339275 at Barns Westacott From Ford Cross to Poadmarsh Cross Ash Mill, Poadmarsh Hill, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4QY (North Devon District Council) was dismissed on 8 August 2024 by Inspector Kent R, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the barns and their surroundings, including its effect on their significance as non-designated heritage assets.
The proposal includes a new access driveway to the existing house, 2 agricultural barn conversions with associated driveways, gardens and boundary treatments”
- Authority
- North Devon District Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Kent R
- Postcode
- EX36 4QY
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the barns and their surroundings, including its effect on their significance as non-designated heritage assets
- The effect of the proposals on bats
- The effect of the use of the proposed access on the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers using Poadmarsh Hill
What decided it
The considerable harm to the character and appearance of the barns and their significance as non-designated heritage assets, which could not be adequately mitigated, outweighed the moderate benefits of conversion and new residential use.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- ST15DM27ST14DM08DM05
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 209Paragraph 114
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.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision


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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.
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