# Land at Rutt Lane, Ivybridge (Aldi foodstore)

- **Decision:** allowed, 23 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: E Worley
- **Authority:** South Hams (South West)
- **Appeal reference:** 6004446
- **Application reference:** 2363/24/FUL
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** New Aldi retail food store (Class E) with parking, servicing, access works and landscaping
- **Site context:** settlement-edge
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** No Framework version cited
- **Determinative policies:** JLP DEV1
- **Development plan policies:** Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan 2019 DEV1, TTV6
- **Main issues:** living conditions (outlook)
- **Tags:** tier-2, no-framework-cited, retail, living-conditions

## Summary
An Aldi store on a greenfield parcel at the eastern edge of Ivybridge was allowed. The only issue was outlook from neighbouring new houses, and the landscaped buffer and separation distances made it acceptable (DL 13). The sequential and impact tests were not in dispute (DL 19). The letter does not mention the Framework.

## What made the difference
The narrow, terraced rear gardens meant neighbours would not see the building in its entirety. Separation distances of 17-20 m, a planted embankment and green cladding kept it from being overbearing (DL 10-13).

## Policy findings
- **JLP DEV1: accord.** 60 m long, 3.6 m high rear elevation 17.3-20.4 m from rear of 4-8 Elm Park; with landscaped buffer and cladding not overbearing (DL 10-13, 18)
- **TC3: pass.** Council satisfied no sequentially preferable sites and no adverse impact on Ivybridge centre; accords JLP TTV6 (DL 19)
- **N4: neutral.** seen as part of the built-up area from Dartmoor National Park; no harm to its setting (DL 27)

## Key facts
- Sole refusal reason: outlook from new houses in Elm Park; finished floor levels up to 4.5 m above neighbours (DL 7)
- Letter dated 23 Sep 2026 does not refer to the National Planning Policy Framework at all

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6004446
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/86ec4b4a-6fa9-482c-9e46-650867a152db

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6004446.html

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