PERMISSION to increase a proposed two-storey home at 1a St Decumans Road, Watchet, by an extra storey - refused by Somerset West and Taunton Council - has been granted by a planning inspector on the grounds it would be more in keeping with a nearby modern development.

The building would be on land adjoining the modern Woollams Place residential development and planning inspector Steven Rennie said the appeal, by KMS Associates Europe Ltd, was challenging a refusal to grant planning permission for the development of land without complying with conditions subject to which a previous planning permission was granted.

Allowing the appeal and granting permission to vary the conditions, Mr Rennie said the site had a long planning history - in 2014 an application was approved for a two-storey dwelling, following an earlier refusal for a three-storey home.

There had since been two approved applications to vary conditions and the current appeal followed a refusal to vary the most recent consent, which was essentially for an alteration to the approved design and size of the dwelling, adding a third storey - loft accommodation - and an internal reconfiguration.

Mr Rennie said the main issue was the effect of the proposed dwelling on the character and appearance of the area.

He added: "The current consent is for a two-storey house with traditional pitched roof. The proposal would be to amend the design which would result in a three-storey house with mono-pitched roof.

"The proximity, design approach and the materials proposed would mean that the dwelling would appear as part of the more modern residential development of Woollams Place. The mono-pitch roof is replicated on the existing Woollams Place and so this aspect of the design would not appear out of character.

"A benefit of the two-storey dwelling design previously approved was that it stepped down in height from the three storeys of Woollams Place to the single-storey bungalow of 1a St Decumams Road.

"The latest proposal, by reason of a third storey, does not have such a significant step down from the height of the existing buildings at Woollams Place. While I note that the council has previously refused a three-storey dwelling at this plot, it is my view that the proposed dwelling would fit well with the appearance of Woollams Place."

Mr Rennie said it would be of an appropriate height and form, considering its transitional position between more modern and traditional dwelling types and heights. It would not be out of keeping or dominate a nearby bungalow and would cause no harm to the character and appearance of the area.

The proposal would therefore be in accordance with the West Somerset Local Plan to 2032, which required development to be of a high standard of design and make a positive contribution to the local environment.

The inspector said the proposal would result in a tall new dwelling in a residential area but it would not result in unacceptable impacts to neighbours in surrounding dwellings.

"The council have suggested an additional condition to restrict permitted development rights, but there is not sufficient justification before me for such restrictions. I am not convinced this is necessary to make the development acceptable."

Mr Rennie added: "For the reasons given I conclude that the appeal should succeed, subject to conditions, including an altered ’plans condition’ to reflect the amended plans that illustrate the revised design of the dwelling from that previously approved."