Cllr Jacqi Hodgson submission to the Planning Inspector regarding the Appeal for Planning on Fishchowters Lane

12^thJuly 2018

The Planning Inspectorate,                            

Submitted online: enquiries@pins.gsi.gov.uk

 Submission regarding APP/K1128/W/18/3192562

 South Hams District Council Planning reference: 0008/17/PAM

 Prior Approval for change of use from redundant reservoir to single dwellingchange of use of the existing building from B8 (storage and distribution) to a dwelling C3 use

 Site location: Bowden Reservoir, Fishchowters Lane, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7RX

Dear Sir / Madam,

This is my submission regarding the above planning Appeal.

I wish to state clearly that I support the key reasons for and recommendation of refusal cited in the SHDC Case Officer report, and the decision reached on 3^rdAugust 2017.

Support for local objections

As a local elected public representative and in my own right I also agree with the many reasons for objection as cited by the many residents and bridle path users as cited in the report.  These are valid reasons and none of which have changed.

In particular I reiterate two key reasons given by the SHDC Case Officer Planning Officer in her report:

1. The bridleway proposed for access to the site is unsuitable for vehicles for construction traffic or future residential use, including visits by delivery vehicles. Any such use is likely to damage both the existing surface, to the detriment of bridleway users, and the adjacent banks. It would also create a safety issue for bridleway users, as the lane is tightly bounded, and therefore there is nowhere for users, particularly horse-riders, to take refuge when confronted by an approaching vehicle.  The proposal is therefore not considered acceptable in highways terms in accordance with Schedule2, part 3 Class P 2(b)(ii) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).  The application is therefore refused under W(3)(a) of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).
2. The proposal would necessitate off-site highway improvement works which would require the consent of third party landowners in order to be carried out, and it has not been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority that the necessary agreements could be reached.It is also unclear from the information submitted whether the highway improvement works would constitute operational development in their own right.  Such operational development would extend solely beyond the change of use of a building permitted under Class P.  The application is therefore refused under W(3)(b) of the Town and Country Planning (general Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

Personal Experience as a regular user of Fishchowters Lane.

Until recently I was, in my private capacity a regular user of Fishchowters Lane.  I used a field along the lane to keep two donkeys for over eight years.  During that time my husband and I used Fishschowters on a daily basis to feed and look after the donkeys.  Through that experience I am very aware of the extensive use of the lane by local residents walking from Totnes to Higher Ashprington, dog-walkers, runners (including planned cross-country events) as well as equine riders. People of all ages use that important route for recreation and non-vehicular access.

Without reservation I restate my continued objection to this planning application and the appeal that has been lodged.  I would like the opportunity to represent the local residents who object to this planning application if deemed appropriate if there is an oral hearing of this appeal.

Yours faithfully,

Jacqi Hodgson

Cllr. Jacqi Hodgson