Garage, workshop and garden at Elmside, Newton Poppleford

“Part retrospective full planning application: Proposed incidental outbuilding (garage / workshop) and change of use of paddock to residential use and retention of existing access.”

“The application seeks permission for the construction of a new detached outbuilding (garage / workshop), change of use of an adjacent paddock to residential use - and for the retention of a vehicular access.”

“Although this site is being described as 'paddock' by the applicant it would appear that the land is actually classified as agricultural land and as such is classed, I believe, as 'Best and Most Versatile' agricultural land. Strategy EN13 of EDDC's made Local Plan states that such land is protected from development unless the benefits of development outweigh the loss of such land.”

“Following the removal of the Devon hedgebank along the northern boundary, I fully support the concerns raised by the EDDC Tree Officer (dated 12/08/25). Historical Ordnance Survey mapping (1890) confirms this was an established and historic hedgebank, recognised as a Devon Biodiversity Action Plan (DBAP) habitat and listed as a Habitat of Principal Importance under Section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006.”

“The existing boundary treatment restricts wider views and the proposed works would not result in significant additional harm to landscape character. The proposal would therefore not introduce significant additional harm to the character of the area subject to reinstatement of the roadside hedgerow which could be controlled by condition.”

“Subject to re-instatement of the front boundary hedgerow and on site habitat mitigation, the change of use would not result in significant visual intrusion or harm to the character and appearance of the National Landscape or biodiversity in the longer term. The site, located between two gardens would not adversely impact on the character of the area. Impact on trees is now acceptable and there will be no adverse impact on neighbour amenity.”

“Proposal: Part retrospective full planning application: Proposed incidental outbuilding (garage/workshop) and change of use of paddock to residential use and retention of existing access.”

“RESOLVED: Approved with conditions in accordance with officer recommendation.”

“3) Prior to the commencement of any further development (the access having already been formed) a detailed landscaping scheme shall be submitted to an approved in writing by the local planning authority which shall include a detailed compensation strategy for the loss of priority habitat hedgerow previously located on the site’s northern boundary.”

“7) Surface water drainage shall be provided by means of soakaways within the site which shall comply with the requirements of BRE Digest 365 for the critical 1 in 100-year storm event plus 45% for climate change unless details of an alternative means of surface water drainage are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation.”