Decision to reject appeal on Pinhoe green field homes development welcomed
Published: 17 January 2023
Councillors have welcomed a decision by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate to dismiss an appeal to develop land at Home Farm North in Pinhoe.
A planning application for the proposed development had previously been refused by the City Council.
Home Farm North is the field to the north of the Home Farm development in Pinhoe, which was allowed at appeal in 2014. The proposed development was for up to 61 homes and infrastructure.
The site, located within the Exeter Slopes and Hills landscape, was described by the Devon Landscape Character Assessment as offering distinctive views across Exeter, with strong topography, notable woodland and contributing to a strong sense of place.
The Planning Inspectorate reviewed the site, taking into consideration the proposal and objections from the Council, as well as those suggested by interested parties.
The inspector concluded that further development in this area “would have a detrimental effect on the landscape setting of the city through its urbanisation and the resulting effect this would have on views, particularly towards the site, which despite recent development, have not been affected to a great extent.”
Cllr Emma Morse, Lead Councillor for City Development and Planning, said: “Thank you to the Planning Inspector for overturning this appeal. This is exactly the direction of travel we need Exeter to be heading in.
The new Exeter Plan when it comes forward, will strengthen these policies and the Council’s clear strategy to prevent further development on the city’s green hills.”
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Climate Change, added: “This is a fantastic result. It reinforces the Council’s brownfield land first strategy to protect the city’s green hills, the landscape setting and biodiversity.
"I know this was a team effort and many individuals contributed to defending our position on protecting the city’s landscape setting. My thanks to everyone involved.”
The outcome was also attributed to current Local Plan policies which protect the existing character and local distinctiveness of defined areas, including the hills to the north and north west of the City. The proposed development was found to be contrary to the Plan.
To find out more about the Council’s vision for a sustainable and green Exeter visit www.liveableexeter.co.uk