Outdoor pub seating at The Whitchurch Inn, Church Hill, Whitchurch

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective approval for an outdoor terraced seating area enclosed by low walls finished to match the pub.

“Development: Proposed outdoors terraced seating area enclosed within low height walls (retrospective)”

“The Proposal: The application seeks to regularise works undertaken within the outdoor seating area; the applicant has created a terraced seating area enclosed by low walls finished with painted render to match the main pub building.”

Officer report

The site

The pub is beside Church Hill, within the conservation area and the setting of the Grade I listed Church of St Andrew.

“Site Description: The site is located within south eastern edge of Whitchurch, at the south eastern edge of the wider Tavistock Area. The site hosts the Whitchurch Inn, with a small outdoor seating area facing the street to the south west of the main building. The site falls within the Whitchurch Conservation Area and within the setting of the Grade I Listed Church of St Andrew.”

Officer report

Other planning effects

Officers found neutral or acceptable effects on heritage, neighbour amenity, drainage, biodiversity and carbon, but identified significant highway safety harm.

“Heritage Asset which contributes positively to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. Officers note that the outdoor area was previously surfaced with modern tarmac, with outdoor seating and other items located within this area which gave the site an untidy appearance. The construction of low walls, finished in painted dark green painted render unites this area with the pub and conceals the surface behind from the public realm.”

“Neighbour Amenity: The pub is surrounded by residential development, plus a church to the east, a school to the south and the village hall to the south east. The pub has used the outdoor area since 2009 according to Google Street View, there are no other changes to the pub building or to the hours of opening and as such, it is not considered that the proposal would give rise to a significant increase in noise and disturbance.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The town clerk supported the application, Environmental Health and police raised no objections, Historic England offered no comment, and Highways objected.

“Consultations: • Tavistock Town Clerk Support • Historic England Do not wish to offer comment on this application • Environmental Health No objection • DCC Highways Objection • Devon and Cornwall Police No objection…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Fifteen residents supported the scheme, citing its appearance, support for the business, safety, accessibility and longstanding use as seating.

“Representations: Representations from Residents Fifteen letters of support have been received and include the following points: • Improves the appearance of the area and is sympathetic to the design of the pub. • Supports a local business. • The outdoor area is now safer as it is enclosed by the low walls. • The area is accessible to the disabled.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant, local ward members and a neighbouring ward member described the seating area’s history and its use following the smoking ban.

The final decision

The application was conditionally approved, with the wording of conditions delegated to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the committee chair and vice chair.

“It was then PROPOSED and SECONDED and, when put to the vote declared CARRIED that:”

“The planning application be conditionally approved, with the wording of the conditions being delegated to the Head of Development Management, in consultation with the Committee Chair and Vice Chair.”

Minutes