Beautiful Bowcombe Creek is located close to Kingsbridge, at the start of the road which leads to Torcross and Dartmouth, through some of the South Hams’ most picturesque villages.
Planning application is an erection of replacement dwelling and garage, relocation of access and associated works
Our reasons for opposing this application fall into five main areas:
- Failure to identify material planning considerations
- Evidence of pre application tree clearance
- Adverse visual impact
- Discrepancy in the site plans
- Existing scenic harm at this location.
The Council’s determination date for this planning application is Thursday 28 January, 2021.
In our view, the Bowcombe creek and New Bridge setting is uniquely rich and beautiful, for many it is one of their best loved places in the South Hams. Sloping hills meet the Kingsbridge Salcombe SSSI estuary on both sides of a long and historically noteworthy ‘new’ bridge. Locals and visitors come here to swim and boat. Those driving over the bridge enjoy stunning views across the water. This is the special setting which we can all enjoy as we take the main route east out of Kingsbridge through the villages to Dartmouth. It is therefore all the more shocking that Bowcombe has not been protected from inappropriate development despite the Local Planning Authority’s statutory duty to do so.
Viewed from all sides, the negative visual impact of recent developments is undeniable – the two previous demolitions and prominent new builds now dominate the setting. The previously unspoilt estuary scene has been irreparably damaged by these oversized buildings.
In planning terms, we OBJECT to the proposed development because it:
- – conflicts with the aims and objectives of policies DEV1, DEV2, DEV20, DEV21, DEV23, DEV24, DEV25, DEV26 & DEV28 of the 2019 Joint Local Plan. Also TTV26 and TTV29
- – is contrary to the guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework including, but not limited to, paragraphs 170, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 184, 185, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195 and 196
- – conflicts with SPT1, SPT11 and SPT12, and the Supplementary Planning Document, and
- – is contrary to the South Devon AONB Management Plan including Policies Lan/P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5, Lan Man/P1, Mar/P1 and Plan/P2.
- – fails to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and special qualities of the South Devon AONB and heritage assets
Read our full LOR linked here.
If, like the South Hams Society, you are concerned about the tree fellings or the development plans for Appleford, please make your views known by responding on the South Hams District Council planning portal on: https://www.westdevon.gov.uk/planningdetails