PLANS to demolish a derelict Dawlish manor house and build homes in its place have been rejected by planners.

Submitted to Teignbridge District Council (TDC) by Hannon Homes Ltd, 25/00991/FUL sought permission to demolish Fairfield House, which was ravaged by fire in 2018 following an arson attack, and build three, two-storey homes.

But the council refused to grant planning permission, saying that the proposed development, by reason of its suburban character, would ‘adversely affect the character and appearance of the open countryside’.

The council also said that the application had not demonstrated ‘that an adequate level of visibility could be achieved from the northerly access onto Ashcombe Road without the loss of the existing mature oak tree’.

‘The proposed dwellings will provide modern sustainable homes located near to Dawlish and set in a beautiful location perfect for family use’, the design and access statement for 25/00991/FUL said.

Located off Ashcombe Road, Fairfield House was built by Peter Richard Hoare in the 1850s.

It has been used as a guest house, an old people’s home and latterly as a residential home for children with physical and learning disabilities.