South Hams District Council refuse a retrospective planning application for development built without permission
South Hams District Council have refused approval for the skate bowl, tennis court and garage unlawfully constructed on a Devon beauty spot.
The Professional Planning Officer’s Report to the Council will be of great interest and importance to anyone who wishes to see the South Hams, and in particular the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, protected and enhanced.
Here is the Councill Officer’s full Gerston Point report
In brief:
The applicant had offered to plant 1,000 trees to screen the site but, the offer has been turned down.
The Council said the construction near Salcombe was “detrimental” to the “highly sensitive” local environment.
It said formal enforcement action would begin. The applicant is yet to comment.
The applicant now has six months to appeal against the decision. He may have to remove the development and return the land to its previous condition.
The applicant built the additions on land adjoining his home in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and alongside the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest.
After complaints from residents about the “eyesore” development, a retrospective planning application was refused in 2019.
In April, the applicant submitted mitigation plans to plant more than 1,000 native trees.
Refusing the proposals recently, the council report described the constructions as an “incongruous development in a highly sensitive area of the open countryside“.
The district council report said: “The development has a detrimental impact upon the surrounding landscape… resulting in adverse impacts to the natural beauty, special qualities, distinctive character, landscape and scenic beauty of the South Devon AONB.”
THE REASONS FOR REFUSAL INCLUDE:
Impact upon AONB/Landscape The development represents an unwelcome and incongruous intrusion into an undeveloped countryside location that is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Undeveloped Coast, introducing inappropriate built form within this highly sensitive rural estuary location, resulting in significant adverse impacts to the natural beauty, special qualities, distinctive character, landscape and scenic beauty of the South Devon AONB.
The development fails to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and special qualities of the South Devon AONB and conflicts with the aims and objectives of policies DEV23, DEV24 and DEV25 of the 2019 Joint Local Plan, is contrary to the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework including, but not limited to, paragraphs 170 and 172, and is contrary to the South Devon AONB Management Plan including Policies Lan/P1, P2,P3, P4 and P5, LanMan/P1, Mar/P1 and Plan/P2.
Action: Pass to Enforcement Team to commence formal enforcement action and serve notice with regards to returning the land to its former condition (in accordance with details to be agreed with the LPA), including removal of the building and engineering operations undertaken to provide a tennis court and skate ramp facility.
Here is the Council’s full Gerston Point report
Other FOSH Posts about Gerston Point
Gerston Point – Latest
GERSTON POINT – THE HEADLINES The government proposes to strengthen the Local Authority’s enforcement powers and sanctions against intentional unauthorised development, consider higher fines and look at ways of supporting enforcement activity. (See ‘Planning for the Future‘ ) NOT A REGULAR ROOST – MORE A ‘BED AND BREAKFAST’ SHORT STAY Back in September 2019, South Continue reading “Gerston Point – Latest” Posted by Ian Bryan
All Blacks & White Stuff
You may well remember the controversial unauthorised two-storey garage, tennis court and skateboard bowl, built without planning permission at Gerston Point in the heart of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the designated Heritage Coast. This is a case which has attracted local community opposition, some support, some anger and even national interest. Continue reading “All Blacks & White Stuff” Posted by Ian Bryan
Protect and Enhance?
How do we protect and enhance? How do we protect and enhance what we value in our landscapes whilst planning for sustainable development and managing change? We protect and enhance what we value in our landscapes in the following ways: Landscape designations such as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty aim to protect Continue reading “Protect and Enhance?”
Here is the Council’s full Gerston Point report
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