Lulworth Cove, The Weld Estate, Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RL

demolition of shed and erection of building for use as a sauna and retaining wall. Erect wood store and access steps/ladder without complying with a condition attached to planning permission Ref P/FUL/2024/02833, dated 18 December 2024.  The condition in dispute is No 15 which states that: ‘Prior to the installation of the sauna building details of the finish of the wooden cladding shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall thereafter proceed in accordance with the approved details.’  The reason given for the condition is: ‘In the interests of visual amenity’

Authority: Dorset
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Other minor developments
Inspector: Rose C

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the use of stained 'Charcoal' facing materials on the exterior of the sauna on the character and appearance of the area, having regard to the site's location within the Dorset National Landscape, West Lulworth Conservation Area and Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site

What decided it

The 'Charcoal' finish, when viewed in context with the darker elements of the surrounding landscape and other buildings, appropriately blends into its setting and complements the character and appearance of the conservation area, national landscape and World Heritage Site.

Framework references: 189, 202, 64

Plan policies cited: Policy E1, Policy E12

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
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