Objections to plan

Dave Beasley Tuesday, January 22, 2013
10.01 AM

There is a growing chorus of opposition over plans to build a new home in a Budleigh back garden.

Proposals for a new detached home, garage and access at 29 Victoria Place have been submitted to district planners.

But the plans have prompted concern from the town council, Budleigh’s three district councillors, East Devon District Council (EDDC)’s conservation officer and the Otter Valley Association.

And 38 objections have also been lodged by residents.

The town council said the plans would overdevelop the area and would ‘fail to enhance’ the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Concerns were also raised about the ability of the sewerage system to cope and questions were asked on how the drive would affect traffic at the West Hill junction.

While the highway authority said that the drive would not ‘significantly’ increase traffic, they doubted ‘the suitability of the proposed access to accommodate turning movements safely, if at all’ and recommended refusal.

Nicola Daniel, chairman of the Otter Valley Association (OVA) said that the design was ‘inappropriate’ with the existing Regency-era homes on the road.

She added: “It will be visible from Victoria Place and destroy the character of the conservation area.”

EDDC’s conservation officer disagreed and said that the plans would ‘not impact significantly upon the conservation area’ and the building would only be seen from Redhills.

He supported the plans in principle but agreed with the OVA that the design was not appropriate and would not make ‘a sufficiently positive contribution to the site’.

The report added: “…if approved the proposed dwelling would no doubt set a precedent for similar development on neighbouring gardens.”

The plans will now be considered by district planners.