396 Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 6HE

Planning appeal 3358070 at 396 Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 6HE (Exeter City Council) was dismissed on 2 July 2025 by Inspector Tresise O, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area.

‘New dwelling to the rear of 396 Topsham Road with associated car parking and landscaping’

Authority: Exeter City Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Tresise O
Postcode: EX2 6HE

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
the living conditions of the occupiers of 394 Topsham Road, with particular regard to privacy and outlook
the living conditions of the occupiers of 396 Topsham Road, with particular regard to privacy, outlook, noise, disturbance and light pollution

What decided it

The significant harm to character and appearance and the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers outweighed the limited benefits of self-build housing delivery and modest economic gains.

The significant harm to character and appearance and living conditions of neighbours outweighed the limited benefits of self-build supply, energy efficiency, economic benefits and environmental improvements; the presumption in favour of sustainable development did not apply.

What the Inspector cited

Development plan policies: Policy CP17 of the Core Strategy adopted 21 February 2012Policy DG1 of the Exeter Local Plan First Review adopted 31 March 2005Policy DG4 of the Exeter Local Plan First Review adopted 31 March 2005

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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More decisions in Exeter

The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2025

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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.