Replacement dwelling at Farnham House, Flat, Lyme Regis

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Dorset Western and Southern Area Planning Committee on 26 Feb 2026.

P/FUL/2024/05592Approved

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing dwelling and building a modern two-storey, three-bedroom replacement with living space upstairs.

“Description of development 5.1 The proposal comprises the demolition of the existing dwelling and the construction of a new two storey dwelling in its place. The proposal is for an ‘upside down’ house which places the primary living space on the upper floor with bedrooms at the ground floor level, in order to make the most of available views from the site. The dwelling would have three double bedrooms all with en-suites.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier replacement-dwelling application was refused and its appeal dismissed, while later submissions and nearby permissions formed part of the assessment.

“P/FUL/2022/06377 - Decision: REF - Decision Date: 13/02/2023 - Replacement dwelling – Appeal Dismissed. P/PAP/2024/00094 - Decision: Response Given - Decision Date: 06/06/2024 - Replacement dwelling. Neighbouring Properties: WD/D/16/001862 – Decision: GRA – Decision Date: 21/11/2016 – Demolish existing dwelling & erect replacement dwelling.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The town council and conservation and tree officers objected, while highways raised no objection and ground-stability advice supported conditions and further information.

“In response to the comments received from both consultees and third parties amended plans were submitted with amendments which included the reduction in length of the building by 30cm, further information on materials and the following elevational changes: North Elevation: • Removal of a dormer window South Elevation: • Removal of external staircase • Reduction in glazing at first floor level • Glazed doors changed to windows at ground floor level • Additon of a single door…”

“In response to the Tree Officer’s comments an amended Tree Survey & Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Constraints Plan were submitted. The Tree Officer was reconsulted on this further information. Dorset Council – Tree Officer – The arboricultural information is not considered suitable to support this application, the AIA is not site specific and generic in its content.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers considered design, heritage, amenity, highways, ground stability, trees, drainage, ecology and biodiversity acceptable, subject to conditions where necessary.

“Reason application is going to committee: The officer recommendation is contrary to the objection and representations made by Lyme Regis Town Council. Summary of recommendation: GRANT, subject to conditions as set out at the end of this report. Key planning issues Issue Conclusion Principle of Development The principle of a replacement dwelling is considered acceptable in this location.”

“Highway Safety The proposals would not result in an increase in dwellings, and it is not considered that the development would result in harm that would justify the refusal of planning permission. Ground Stability Acceptable subject to conditions. Impact on Trees Acceptable subject to conditions.”

Officer report

The committee’s decision

The application was granted subject to conditions controlling the approved plans, materials, levels, landscaping, enlargement, stability, drainage, trees and biodiversity.

“Summary of Recommendation: Grant subject to conditions. Decision: That the application be granted subject to the following conditions: The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Proposed Site and Location Plans – drawing number A04 P3 Proposed Plans and Elevations – drawing number A02 P4 Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.”

“Prior to the commencement of any development hereby approved an updated Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plans (having regard to ground stability and the information required for condition 8) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes

Conditions

Approved subject to 1 condition, set out in the minutes.

Sources

  • Dorset Western and Southern Area Planning Committee minutes, 26 February 2026
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Dorset's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

Committee decisions and nationwide planning applications, in one API

The Plota API returns planning applications from every council we cover, each with its decision, whether a committee or officers decided it, and the committee date. Build it into your own tools.

See the API →

At the meeting

Council
Dorset
Date
Thursday 26 February 2026
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

This committee's year

18 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 1 against officer advice.

Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.

Every decision by this council's committees →