A major extension to an isolated countryside cottage near Ashburton has been unanimously approved by Teignbridge councillors despite concerns over bats and drainage.
Members of Teignbridge District Council’s planning committee backed proposals for a two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension, garage and driveway alterations at Sunset Cottage in Woodland on Tuesday, May 12.
Planning officer Kieran Millar told councillors the property was located in a “remote and isolated location in open countryside” south of Ashburton near the A38.
The application included plans for additional accommodation, an enlarged family living and dining area, internal alterations and a new integrated garage. Existing solar panels would also be relocated as part of the scheme.
A committee report stated the development at Sunset Cottage, House Cross, Woodland, would include a “two storey side extension, single storey rear extension, single storey garage & driveway with internal alterations”.
Mr Millar said the extension had been redesigned following pre-application advice from council officers to avoid creating a “terracing effect” alongside the neighbouring semi-detached property, Wickeridge Cottage.
During the meeting, Cllr Paul Parker challenged parts of the officer report, claiming there were “a couple of inaccuracies”.
Cllr Parker said the cottage had already been substantially enlarged by a previous owner and disputed references to drainage linked to Holbeam Dam.
He said: “Water does not run uphill, but I only know because I have lived there and rode by there for 60 years.”
Concerns were also raised about biodiversity and the impact on bats.
Cllr Andrew MacGregor said he was concerned biodiversity assessments “always” focused on “bats and birds” and questioned whether additional lighting from a large new window could affect bats in the area.
However, Cllr Suzanne Sanders said the preliminary assessment had found “no evidence of bats” and noted that bat boxes had been proposed as part of the scheme.
Planning documents stated a Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment found the buildings had “negligible roosting potential” for bats and recommended biodiversity enhancements including bird and bat boxes.
The report also confirmed one Category C ash tree and around four metres of mixed native hedgerow would be removed during the works.
Council officers recommended approval subject to conditions including drainage measures, ecology compliance and a three-year commencement limit.
No public objections were received during the consultation period.
The application was unanimously approved by councillors.
