®Planning appeal decision
Land Opposite 28 Watercombe Lane, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 2ED
the erection of 2 bed dwelling and associated parking
- Authority
- Somerset Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Minor Dwellings
- Inspector
- Conde L
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area
- the setting of Grade II Listed Buildings known as 'Watercombe Farmhouse' and 'The Cottage'
- the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers of 'The Cottage', with respect to outlook, loss of light and privacy
- the effect of the development on protected species, namely badgers
What decided it
The harm to the character and appearance of the area, the setting of designated heritage assets, and the living conditions of neighbouring residents outweighs the limited housing benefits, particularly given that Framework policies protecting designated heritage assets provide a strong reason for refusal under paragraph 11 d)(i).
The benefits of housing delivery and the windfall site location within the built-up area were outweighed by the harm to character and appearance, heritage asset setting, and neighbouring living conditions, with the heritage protection policies providing a strong reason for refusal that disapplies the presumption in favour of sustainable development.
Framework references: 11
Plan policies cited: Policy EQ2, Policy EQ3, Policy EQ4
The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.