We were delighted that the Planning Inspector agreed with the City Council’s Planning Committee’s decision to refuse planning application to develop land at Higher Field in Pinhoe. Residents and Pinhoe Councillors joined the Council to present a strong case to uphold the decision to refuse the planning application and thankfully the Planning Inspector agreed.

Higher Field is to the north of the Home Farm development in Pinhoe, development of which was also refused in 2014 but overturned on appeal. The development would have led to the construction of 61 homes on a site within the Exeter Slopes and Hills landscape.

The Devon Landscape Character Assessment describes it as offering distinctive views across Exeter, with strong topography, notable woodland and contributing to a strong sense of place.

The Planning Inspectorate reviewed the site, taking into consideration the proposal and objections from the Council, as well as those presented by Pinhoe Councillors and residents.

The inspector concluded that further development in this area “would have a detrimental effect on the landscape setting of the city through its urbanisation and the resulting effect this would have on views, particularly towards the site, which despite recent development, have not been affected to a great extent.”

Cllr Duncan Wood, Pinhoe City Councillor and Lead Councillor for Climate Change, said: “This is a fantastic result. It reinforces the Council’s brownfield land first strategy to protect the city’s green hills, the landscape setting and biodiversity.

“I know this was a team effort and many individuals contributed to defending our position on protecting the city’s landscape setting. My thanks to everyone involved.”

To find out more about the Council’s vision for a sustainable and green Exeter visit www.liveableexeter.co.uk