This is the seventh application to construct a dwelling on this site. The previous six have all been refused, most recently following an appeal in 2022, with the Inspector concluding:

I find that a building on this site, even if this were of high-quality design, would harmfully impinge on the overall character of the area by introducing additional built form in closer proximity to surrounding development within this low-density area, together with impacts on existing mature trees and planting. Consequently, the proposal would erode the sense of openness and character of this wooded hillside which I find contributes to the natural beauty of this part of the AONB.

By comparison with its predecessor, our objection to which can be found here, this latest proposal shifts the proposed building 17 metres towards Sandhill Road, while the frontage of the building increases from 9 metres to 13.7 metres. The building will be 16.5 metres to the northwest of Fairhaven. However no elevation drawings have been submitted. Consequently it is not possible to assess the probable landscape impact.

Both the Tree Officer and the Town Council have also objected to this latest application and in our view the Sandhills Road location, where natural open space and the retention of trees and vegetation between the properties provides a rare and attractive feature in this area of Salcombe, is deserving of the highest level of sympathetic assessment and protection.