Planning inspectorate rules against Westward Ho! hotel plan
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a hotel development at Westward Ho! have suffered another setback.
An appeal against Torridge District Council's refusal to grant planning permission for the hotel has been dismissed.
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Plans for the 28-bedroom hotel at Duckhaven Stud were thrown out by Torridge's plans committee first in February and then again in April.
Applicant, Well Pict European Ltd has appealed against both decisions.
The company said the multi-million pound project, which was to involve Michelin-starred chef John Burton Race, would have created up to 90 jobs and regenerated the seaside village.
But the Planning Inspectorate yesterday dismissed the first appeal, saying the main issue in the case was the effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of its surroundings.
In his report inspector Andrew Pykett said: "I am far from convinced the building and its associated paraphernalia could be rendered sufficiently inconspicuous to avoid unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Coastal Preservation Area."
Well Pict European Ltd is pursing the second appeal.
3 Comments
by anon, Bideford
Saturday, June 13 2009, 9:14AM
“In response to Mr Pykett's report; I would just to like to as if he thinks the two monstrosities of apartment blocks built by Braddicks and on the village green fit with the charcter of Westward Ho? You refuse development on Private Land but will allow anything to be built on council land.”
by anon, Westward Ho!
Monday, June 01 2009, 1:56PM
“Excellent, hopefull these developers will re think their whole plan and build elsewhere.”
by Growing Old Disgracefully, North Devon
Monday, June 01 2009, 6:35AM
“Seen as the national papers have reported that John Burton-Race has gone bankrupt his involvement in this scheme really doesn't count for much. The only way to regenerate Westward Ho! would be to flatten it and start again!”