Whistler’s Wood’s eco-homes set to win backing (From Dorset Echo)

Whistler’s Wood’s eco-homes set to win backing

4:00pm Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

PLANS to build two eco-houses in a Lyme Regis wood are set to be backed by district planners this week.

A planning application for the development in Whistler’s Wood is due to go before West Dorset District Council’s development control committee on Thursday.

Members will be urged to delegate authority to the council’s director of planning and environment to approve the plans.

This is despite 23 objections from neighbours and other residents who fear for the future of the green area in Pound Street, and an objection by Lyme Regis Town Council.

A previous planning application to build two low-energy chalets was turned down by district planners in 2009 and an appeal was refused in 2010 because of concerns over the impact the development would have on the woodland.

But planners now say a new agreement to set up a trust would ensure the wood’s long-term preservation.

In her report to the development control committee, case officer Debbie Reading said: “It is considered that the S106 agreement and the mechanisms set out within it for the future protection and maintenance of the woodland would ensure its long-term future and therefore addresses the inspector’s reason for dismissing the appeal in 2010.”

Owner Quentin Craven has been asked to contribute £12,000 in line with the agreement surrounding the building of new houses.

The trust proposed by Mr Craven would include the owners of the houses and three local members with an interest in conservation.

The proposal is for two detached houses, one with three bedrooms and the other with two, with access from Langmoor Close.

There would be timber walkways, limited recreational space, terraces, small gardens and one parking space each.