Inspector grants permission for 57 retirement living apartments at Honiton Cattle Market

In a decision dated 22 July 2022, Inspector Jonathan Bore allowed an appeal by Churchill Retirement Living Ltd against East Devon Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the above scheme.  The Inspector rejected the Council’s argument that the scheme would cause less than substantial harm to a nearby Grade II listed church and Conservation Area.  The Inspector also rejected the Council’s argument that the loss of the site to development would harm business and employment opportunities in the local area, noting instead the numerous public and other benefits that development of this nature brings. The Secretary of State had previously refused the appeal but that decision was quashed last year following a successful s.288 claim which was brought on behalf of Churchill. The successful appellants were represented both at the inquiry and in the s.288 claim by Sasha White QC and Ben Fullbrook.