Project Overview
Bell Cornwell’s Exeter office has helped to secure planning permission for a new dwelling on the edge of Exmouth.
The site, which comprises a derelict building formerly used as a workshop, has a complex planning history. Prior to Bell Cornwell’s involvement, a number of planning applications for different developments had been refused. However, despite the site being located outside of Exmouth’s built-up area boundary, there were several material considerations that weighed in favour of a residential redevelopment of the site; namely that the site is underutilised previously developed land and the local planning authority was unable to demonstrate a five year supply of housing. As part of the justification for the proposed development, Bell Cornwell also provided the local planning authority with an overview of the site specific merits of the proposed development compared to other proposals for new dwellings in the vicinity that had been refused planning permission at appeal.
The Site
The site is in a woodland setting and is bounded by mature trees. The bespoke dwelling was designed to a very high quality and to co-exist with the trees, with windows facing out onto the woodland. Supporting evidence on the acceptability of the proposed development from a tree perspective was provided by Advanced Arboriculture (Tom Hurley), which concluded that the design is a fine example of a harmonious relationship between a dwelling and its adjacent woodland setting.
Whilst planning officers agreed that the principle of the proposed development was acceptable, they were concerned that allowing the development would result in pressure in the future to fell the neighbouring trees, which would have a harmful impact on the character of the area, and that the site’s location within a wooded area would not afford future residents of the proposed dwelling adequate daylight/sunlight. Because of the concerns regarding trees only, planning officers recommended the application for refusal.
The proposed development had the full support of the local ward councillors, who called the planning application into committee for determination. Following a members’ site inspection and a review of additional supporting evidence produced by Advanced Arboriculture rebutting the objections raised by officers, members of the planning committee went against the officers’ recommendation and granted planning permission.
