Five homes at Honiton Inn, Awliscombe, Honiton

“Proposal: Demolition of existing public house and erection of 5 dwellings (Outline planning application with all matters reserved)”

“The proposal seeks outline planning permission for the demolition of the Honiton Inn in Awliscombe and the construction of five residential dwellings. All matters are reserved, meaning the application focuses solely on the principle of development and whether the site can accommodate the proposed scale.”

“The site lies within the historic core of the village, adjacent to several listed buildings, and is currently occupied by a disused public house that has been marketed extensively without success. Evidence submitted demonstrates that the pub is no longer viable, with no formal offers received despite outreach, and no interest shown by the local community in acquiring it as a village asset.”

“The site qualifies as brownfield land, and its redevelopment aligns with national planning policy which encourages the reuse of such land. Although the site lies outside a Built-up Area Boundary and is in a location with limited services, the Council’s housing land supply shortfall triggers the tilted balance under the National Planning Policy Framework, meaning any harm must significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

“The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) encourages local planning authorities to take a proactive role in identifying and facilitating the redevelopment of suitable brownfield sites to meet development needs. Planning policies and decisions should give substantial weight to the value of using brownfield land within settlements for housing and other identified needs. Proposals for such development should generally be approved unless they would result in significant harm.”

“Making effective use of land is a core objective of the NPPF. Strategic policies should set out a clear strategy to meet development needs by maximising the use of previously developed land. This approach should only be set aside where it would conflict with other policies in the Framework, such as those protecting designated biodiversity sites.”

“The Parish Council supports the demolition but considers five dwellings excessive, preferring a reduced scheme. The ward member and public representations raise concerns about overdevelopment, parking, access, and drainage. However, technical consultees, including the Highway Authority, Environmental Health, Conservation, Ecology, and Archaeology, have not objected, subject to appropriate conditions.”

“Visual improvement acknowledged, but concerns raised about developer motives and profit-driven design. • Housing type not suited to local needs; • insufficient parking likely. • Access/egress issues need addressing. • Safety concerns due to proximity to main footpath used by schoolchildren. • Refuse collection logistics unclear; potential obstruction on pavement. • Existing approved development on Greenway Lane not yet built; • cumulative impact on road access.”

“Farm cows regularly travel on the road near the proposed site. • Farm entrance directly opposite development. • Recommends fencing to prevent cows from entering residential gardens. • Supports redevelopment of the existing property. • Emphasises need for adequate parking: minimum 2 spaces per home, excluding garages. • Suggests reducing number of homes if parking requirements cannot be met.”

“Proposal: Demolition of existing public house and erection of 5 dwellings (outline planning application with all matters reserved).”

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