One new dwelling at Land Adjoining, White Farm Lane, West Hill, Ottery St Mary

“The proposal is for a detached two-storey dwelling with a mezzanine loft space. The dwelling is comprised of two elements; the central gable element which is two-stories and includes the mezzanine loft space and, a single-storey element that projects from the western elevation. The scheme also proposes a detached double garage and associated access works.”

“The detached garage is of a similar design to the dwelling house. The garage would be of a steep sloping, dual-pitched roof design with projecting roof face and walls on the gable-end. The materials would match that of the dwelling house. The garage would measure approximately 8 metres in length, 7.5 metres in height and 7.5 metres in width.”

“The application site is located approximately 9 metres beyond the built-up area boundary of West Hill and adjacent to the road known as White Farm Lane which is the primary access route to the plot. The lane is a private road that stretches approximately 300 metres and joins to Higher Broad Oak Road, an unclassified road.”

“The plot is measured at approximately half an acre and is lined with mature trees of varying species. Since the submission of this application, these trees have been the subject of a Woodland Tree preservation order (25/0057/TPO). The centre of the site is relatively clear. The site does not benefit from any special designations and is located within Flood Zone 1.”

“EDDC Trees SITE HISTORY - 15/2052/OUT: Outline planning permission for the construction of a dwelling REFUSED Appeal - DISMISSED. 25/0057/TPO Woodland Tree Preservation Order SERVED.”

“On site, it is still clear where the site has been cleared. This is further exacerbated by the fact that natural regeneration has not been allowed to take place as during the recent site visit, it could be seen all natural regeneration has been cleared; a pile of brashwood, mainly of Silver Birch was visible on site (note; Sweet chestnut was also visible which appear to be epimoric growth cut from nearby boundary trees).”

“Whilst landscape harm has been identified and the scheme is considered contrary to local plan policies, these policies are attributed less weight due to the lack of a 5-year housing land supply.”

“From the discussion above, it is clear that the proposed development would be in conflict with the local and neighbourhood development plans. As the LPA cannot demonstrate a 5 YHLS, the weight to which policies within these plans carry is reduced. The harm attributed to the scheme does not demonstrably outweigh the public benefits of an additional dwelling within the LPA’s housing stock.”

“The siting of the dwelling in close proximity to trees would lead to pressure to fell and/or prune the trees which would result in adverse impacts on the landscape character and…”