Noting that the South Devon AONB unit had objected to the proposed redevelopment of the hotel, we opted not to repeat the various national and local policies that the Unit had recorded, but instead add to the evidence as to why this would represent over-development of the site, resulting in harm to the AONB and a lack of consideration to the neighbouring properties to the north.

The plans showed the façade of one of the two new buildings would rise 3.7 metres further towards the road than the current flat roof structure beside the Palm tree in the photo above, to the detriment of the public view towards the sea. In addition the roof heights of the new buildings would be considerably higher than the current extensions to the hotel. Referring the case office to JLP Policy DEV1.1 we argued the development would cause the neighbouring properties' current sunny southern gardens and (and possibly the conservatories) to be cast into the shade behind the new buildings.

Two months later we submitted our second letter of representation in response to changes the applicant had made to the position of the buildings in an attempt to both comply with the JLP Supplementary Planning Document and address the unneighbourly attributes of the proposal. These, we suggested, failed to resolve our previous concerns.

The parish council were also of the view that 'these plans represent colossal overdevelopment in the parish. They intrude on all perimeters on the current site, taking light and privacy away from all neighbours.'

In recommending refusal the case officer agreed with both the Society and the parish council, considering the proposal 'an overdevelopment of the site, with the scale and massing failing to reflect the context of the site and being visually intrusive and out of character both in terms of design and scale with the surrounding area.'

Yet despite this assessment the applicant has chosen to appeal the decision. The outcome of the appeal is awaited.