# 550 Topsham Road, Exeter (linked annexe)

- **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
- **Tags:** tier-2, annexe, limited-nppf-engagement, parties-consulted-on-2026-framework

## 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
- **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
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6015017
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/057dfc75-c9c5-4338-9c71-64da4ba45d6c

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6015017.html

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