The Torridge District Council Plans Committee convened to address a range of planning applications, appeal decisions, and related matters. The meeting included discussion of a non-material amendment to a previously approved scheme, and consideration of appeal decisions and associated costs. Councillors were also scheduled to note delegated decisions and planning decisions made in the recent period.

Planning Application

The committee was scheduled to discuss a non-material amendment to planning approval 1/0101/2025/LA for the Middle Dock, New Quay Street, Appledore. The original approval was for the erection of a Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, incorporating office and workshop space, as well as extensions and repairs to the quay wall.

The non-material amendment application sought changes to the previously approved plans, including:

• Adjustments to the building's location to accommodate structural work on the existing retaining wall.
• Introduction of a no-access zone due to the retaining wall's stability.
• Amendments to the car park layout, including 10 managed spaces, due to the no-access zone.
• Adjustments to window numbers and locations to suit structural bracing.
• Changes to the main entrance and external doors.
• Alterations to cladding and materials.

The report pack noted that the proposed amendments would not materially affect the viability process and that officers considered the changes to be a non-material minor amendment to the previously approved planning permission.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was scheduled to review a summary of recent appeal decisions, including:

• Ref. 1/0998/2024/AGR and 1/0999/2024/AGR: Appeals made by Mr Adam Pierce against the refusal to grant approval for an agricultural building and a polytunnel in Dolton, Devon. The appeals were allowed, with the inspectorate granting prior approval for both developments. The main issue was the visual effect of the proposed developments on the surrounding area.
• Ref. 1/0174/2025/FUL: An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a first-floor extension over an approved single-storey side extension at The Mount, Lakenham Hill, Northam, Bideford. The appeal was dismissed due to the harmful effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host property and its surroundings.
• Ref. 1/0972/2023/OUT: An appeal against the refusal of outline planning permission for a proposed dwelling on land at Raleigh Hill, Northam, Bideford. The appeal was dismissed due to the harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area, including trees, and concerns about biodiversity.
• Ref. 1/0940/2024/OUT: An appeal against the refusal of outline planning permission for a residential development of three dwellings on land adjacent to Croft Gate in Halwill Junction, Beaworthy. The appeal was dismissed because the site was not considered a suitable location for the proposed development, and there were concerns about biodiversity net gain[^2]. [^2]: Biodiversity net gain (BNG) is an approach to development that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before. It is a legal requirement for most developments in England under the Environment Act 2021.
• Ref: APP/W1145/C/24/3353988: An appeal made by Mr William Smith against an enforcement notice issued by Torridge District Council regarding land at Painters Wood, Meddon, Hartland. The appeal was allowed, and the enforcement notice was quashed.

Costs on Appeals

The committee was scheduled to note that there was one cost on appeal.

Delegated and Planning Decisions

The committee was scheduled to note the delegated decisions for AGMB applications¹ made between 21 July 2025 and 2 September 2025. The committee was also scheduled to note a list of delegated planning decisions, consultee abbreviations, and application types made between 21 July 2025 and 2 September 2025.