The North Devon Council's Planning Committee met to discuss a range of planning and advertisement consent applications, including new dwellings, alterations to existing buildings, and signage. The committee approved some applications, such as the discharge of conditions for a poultry farm and wayfinding plinths, but refused others, including applications for new dwellings due to concerns about their impact on the character of the area and conflict with local planning policies.

Blue Bay, Upper Claypark, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7EA

The committee refused an application for the erection of a self-build dwelling with associated parking and landscaping at Blue Bay, Upper Claypark in Woolacombe. The Senior Planning Officer's report noted that Councillor Mark Wilkinson had called the application to committee due to a precedent being set with other designs, and a shortfall in the 5-year housing land supply. The main reasons for refusal were that the proposed development, by reason of its design, scale, siting and appearance, would not preserve or enhance the significance of the Conservation Area as a designated heritage asset, or conserve or enhance the landscape character, natural beauty and special qualities of the National Landscape. The committee found that the proposal did not have a positive impact on the designated landscape, did not relate well to nearby buildings, and would result in an inappropriate form of development, contrary to policies ST04, ST09, ST14, ST15, DM04, DM07 and DM08A of the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan. The development would also not further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of this part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape, contrary to Section 245 'Protected Landscapes' of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023¹.

Land off Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham, Braunton, Devon, EX33 1JY

The committee refused an application for the demolition of equestrian buildings and erection of a local needs self-build dwelling and associated landscaping at Land off Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham. Councillor Simon Maddocks called the application to the Planning Committee to discuss policies ST09 and DM05 and the amendments made from the appeal dismissal, to balance the benefits and help the harm, to discuss the history of this finely balanced application made a key worker and with the 5- year housing supply now not being met. The reasons for refusal were that the provision of a single dwelling in the open countryside, outside of any defined development boundary and outside of a Rural Settlement or Village in an unsustainable location, without any acceptable robust justification, is considered to be contrary to Policies ST01 and ST07 of the adopted North Devon and Torridge Local Plan (2011-2031) and relevant guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework (2024). The proposed development, by reason of size, siting and residential appearance would be unacceptably harmful to the character and appearance of the surrounding area which is a designated 'National Landscape' contrary with Policies ST14 and DM08A of the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan and Policy BE5 of the Georgeham Parish Neighbourhood Plan. The development will also not further the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of this part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape contrary to Section 245 'Protected Landscapes' of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

The Hollies, Barnacott, Nr Westleigh, Bideford, Devon, EX39 4LS

The committee refused a part retrospective application for the erection of a single dwelling together with associated parking & landscaping at The Hollies, Barnacott, near Westleigh. Councillor Caroline Coombs called the application to the Planning Committee to consider the history of the site and the impact on amenity from the A39 highway.

Bedport Poultry Farm, Burrington, Umberleigh, Devon, EX37 9LE

The committee approved an application for the approval of details in respect of discharge of Condition 4 (sedum roof) & Condition 11 (external lighting) attached to planning permission 75220 (Demolition of an existing agricultural building and erection of 4 no. two storey houses with amenity space, car parking and landscaping) at Bedport Poultry Farm, Burrington. Councillor Kevin Davies was the agent for this application.

Land On the east of Bucknell Way, Bucknell Way, South Molton, EX36 3BS

The committee approved an application for the removal of Condition 3 (external finishing materials) and Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 79032 (The erection of a microenergy storage facility) at Land On the east of Bucknell Way, Bucknell Way, South Molton.

Roylands Croyde Braunton Devon EX33 1NU

The committee approved an application for the change of use of holiday unit (planning approval 57035) to temporary full residential use for 3 years at Roylands, Croyde, Braunton.

Land Adjacent The Linhay, Ashford, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4BY

The committee refused an application for the erection of 5No. dwellings, including garages and associated access at Land Adjacent The Linhay, Ashford, Barnstaple.

Riverside House, Newnham Bridge, Umberleigh, Devon, EX37 9EU

The committee approved an application for the variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 77868 (Demolition of existing workshop building (following approval for conversion ref 77597) and erection of a detached dwelling house along with new access, amenity space, car parking and landscaping (amended description).) to allow a reduced footprint and lower roof height at Riverside House, Newnham Bridge, Umberleigh.

Wayfinding plinth signs in Barnstaple

The committee approved a series of applications for the siting of non-illuminated wayfinding plinth signs at the following locations in Barnstaple:

• Footpath at Entrance to Queens Walk, Bear Street, EX32 7DA
• Cattle Market Car Park, Tuly Street
• Land at Fair View Car Park, Pilton Park
• Tarka Leisure Centre, Seven Brethren Bank, EX31 2AS
• Barnstaple Bus Station, Belle Meadow Road, EX32 8BB
• Land at Silver Street entrance to Bus Station, EX32 8BB

5, 6 & 7 Butchers Row, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1BW

The committee approved an application for the creation of an opening from unit 5 into unit 6 together with erection of dividing wall between unit 6 & 7 at 5, 6 & 7 Butchers Row, Barnstaple.

5, 6 & 7 Butchers Row, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1BW

The committee approved a Listed Building Consent application for the creation of an opening from unit 5 into unit 6 together with erection of dividing walls on the ground floor and loft space between unit 6 & 7 at 5, 6 & 7 Butchers Row, Barnstaple.

Appeal report

The committee considered an Appeal Report by the Planning Support Officer, which provided an update in relation to planning appeals 79280, 79169, 78194 and 12335. The Service Manager (Development Management) advised that the Enforcement Team were now on top of enforcement cases.