Six dwellings at Land South Of Courtlands Lane, Exmouth

“WardExmouth Halsdon Reference 23/2740/OUT ApplicantMr B Penny LocationLand South Of Courtlands Lane Exmouth ProposalOutline permission for the construction of up to six dwellings sought with all matters reserved other than access…”

“Proposal: Outline permission for the construction of up to six dwellings sought with all matters reserved other than access…”

“The site is an undeveloped agricultural field south of Courtlands Lane, part of a larger field immediately east of the entrance to Lympstone Manor (formerly listed as Courtlands House), a Grade II listed country house hotel on the eastern banks of the Exe estuary. A hedgerow boundary runs along the northern boundary frontage of the site, with a further beech hedgerow with evergreen oak trees and gaps for gates to the south.”

“The site is in the countryside, outside of but contiguous with the Built-up Area Boundary of Exmouth, as defined by the current East Devon Local Plan, and also falls within an area designated as a Coastal Preservation Area under the local plan. The land immediately to the north of Courtlands Lane is designated as a Green Wedge under the Local Plan.”

“Under the current Local Plan, the application site is outside of the Built up Area Boundary, but is an allocated site in the emerging Local Plan, which now carries slightly greater weight in decision making owing to the Plan going through the second round of Regulation 19 Consultation.”

“In terms of the impact upon Grade II listed Lympstone Manor, there are a number of existing buildings between the listed building and the application site, which together with existing trees and vegetation would limit intervisibility between the two sites. It is considered that it would be possible for a scheme to come forward which would avoid any harm to the setting of Lympstone Manor.”

“The prevailing pattern of development along Courtlands Lane is distinctly linear in form, with development along the existing lane showing individuality in the design of the houses. The applicant has submitted a revised indicative layout which seeks to demonstrate a more linear pattern of development that reflects the existing layout along Courtlands Lane whilst also providing suitable access to allow the future delivery of the full allocation of 12 houses on the site.”

“The proposals as presented would introduce development into the designated Coastal Preservation Area that will be evident in views from within and around it and is likely to give rise to a number of impacts resulting in some landscape and visual harm, notwithstanding the proposed mitigation planting indicated by the landscape strategy.”

“RESOLVED: Refused contrary to officer recommendation for the following reason:”

“The proposed development would adversely impact the undeveloped and open status of this designated Coastal Preservation Area and would not help to conserve and enhance the quality and local distinctiveness of the natural and historic landscape character of the area. The harm arising significantly and demonstrably outweighs the benefits of developing 6 open market dwellings on the site.”