A controversial development in Niton — which led to the Isle of Wight Council being heavily criticised by a national watchdog — has been refused, despite being partially built.
Retrospective planning permission had been sought by Martin Cotton at Bridge Cottage for the retention and completion of two garages for domestic purposes — one built in 2019 and the other started in 2021.
The site, on the edge of Niton, is part of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and council planning officers decided the ‘large garage structures’ would result in a ‘significantly harmful impact’ on the landscape character.
Asking the planning agent, Norman White, for clarification, officers were told they were to house a significant collection of classic cars and motorbikes.
Officers said they noted the hobby but the outbuildings would alter the character of the grounds surrounding the cottage from domestic to commercial or industrial use.
The design and finish of the garages, they said, appear commercial in nature causing the site to appear out of place, being of ‘excessive size and scale’.
The argument put forward by Mr White for the outbuildings, the council said, did not outweigh the harm they would cause.
Officer determined the garages would also fail to protect or enhance the special qualities of the AONB, appearing as urban and incongruous features in their surroundings, and result in a significant adverse effect on the SAC and SSSI.
Mr Cotton is able to appeal the decision made by the council, to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, otherwise the structures may have to come down.
A complaint about the council’s planning considerations of all development at Bridge Cottage was made by a concerned resident to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), leading to an investigation launched at the end of 2020.
The watchdog determined the council had committed errors and given wrong advice resulting in more development than might otherwise have occurred.
The authority has agreed to review its procedures, already undertaken officer training and pay £300 in compensation to a charity of the complainant’s choice.
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