- Decision
- allowed, 24 September 2026
- Decided by
- Planning Inspector: J Hills
- Authority
- Exeter (South West)
- Appeal reference
- 6015017
- Application reference
- 26/0700/FUL
- Procedure
- written representations
- Development
- Demolition of a single-storey rear extension and erection of a linked single-storey annexe
- Site context
- inside settlement
- Green Belt
- No
- Framework applied
- August 2026 NPPF
- Determinative policies
- DP3
- Development plan policies
- Exeter Core Strategy CP17, Objective 9, Exeter Local Plan First Review DG1, DG4
- Main issues
- character and appearance; living conditions of No 548
Summary
A linked single-storey annexe replacing a lean-to at a semi-detached house in Exeter. The inspector found it subservient and in keeping with a varied estate, consistent with DP3, and acceptable for the neighbour's light and outlook. Allowed.
Issues and findings
- Transition. "Both parties have had the opportunity to comment on its implications for their respective cases" (DL ¶2).
- Design: accord. "The scheme would reinforce local distinctiveness which is consistent with Objective 9 of the Exeter City Council Core Strategy (CS), as well as Framework Policy DP3" (DL ¶8).
- Neighbour: acceptable. "whilst the outlook from both would be altered, it would be maintained to an acceptable standard" (DL ¶11).
What made the difference
The narrow link broke up the length, and the annexe body sat away from the neighbour's windows.
Transferable points
- Exceeding informal depth guidance or permitted development limits is not harm in itself (DL ¶7).
Policy findings
Policy codes are those of the National Planning Policy Framework (August 2026) unless a development plan is named.
| Policy | Finding | Weight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP3 | accord | subservient, well-proportioned extension behind a fence; grey painted link breaks up massing; reinforces local distinctiveness (DL 5-9) | |
| P3 | pass | mapped: set away from No 548 near its windows; light likely to improve near the house; outlook maintained (DL 10-12) |
Key facts
- Depth may exceed informal guidance and permitted development limits, but harm not found (DL 7)
- "dependant relative's" removed from the description as it describes occupation, not development; no occupancy condition imposed (DL 1, 3)
- Parties had the opportunity to comment on the August 2026 Framework (DL 2)
Sources
This note is one of the decisions behind the NPPF 2026 Navigator, which shows how each Framework test has been applied across all the decisions in the database. Also available as Markdown.