MORE than 60 objections have been made against plans to build 14 holiday lodges on land at Obelisk Gardens in Mamhead.

The proposals are due to be considered by Teignbridge Council’s planning committee next week.

But the 64 objectors have raised a long list of complaints about the application for the lodges on three hectares of land to the north of Magnolia Lake, the applicant’s Grade II listed property. 

The application by Diana Nyiry has already been reduced from an original 24 lodges proposed following ‘significant concerns’ from Historic England. 

The site was previously used as a plant nursery and is currently occupied by several derelict greenhouses along with three existing holiday lets and the applicant’s home.

Planning officers have recommended conditional approval for the plans for the single storey timber lodges, subject to the applicant entering into a signed legal agreement to secure Exe Estuary mitigation.

A report to members of the planning committee says: ‘The proposal is considered to support an existing business, albeit of small scale, in this rural area. 

‘It also provides an element of betterment in that large unsightly structures, which are detrimental to the heritage assets, will be removed. 

‘Whilst there is some policy conflict in relation to the rural location and reliance on private cars, this is not considered to significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits that this consent would bring to the local rural economy.’ 

But a long list of objections have been raised against the plans.

Devon Gardens Trust has concerns over the scope of the development and the impact on the setting of Mamhead Park.

Other objectors said the scale of development would have ‘significant impacts’; highways were inadequate for more traffic; will be detrimental to the local landscape and expressed fears about power, water and sewer systems being able to cope. 

Another stated: ‘Mamhead residents will see zero benefits and are united in their opposition.’

Other complaints were that there are no local amenities so guests will have to drive; development will be detrimental to wildlife, including bats; noise and light pollution and a lack of public consultation and ‘consideration’ for the Mamhead community. 

The plans are also considered to be ‘out of keeping’ with the rural and historic area. 

There are also fears it would set a precedent for future development and that there were already enough holiday chalets in the area.

The application was called to the planning committee by Cllr Alan Connett as it is a major development within the proximity of the listed and registered Mamhead Park. 

Officers say there have been objections to a lack of on-site facilities and concern for increased visitors and problems that might occur on site. 

The report says: ‘The applicant is seeking to create a quiet holiday experience, for people wanting to holiday in a secluded woodland location to relax, as an alternative to more active and busy holiday parks in the area. 

‘The winter garden that will be created in the retained greenhouse is one element of this, and will assist in creating a year round accommodation site, lengthening the season.

‘Furthermore, the applicant resides next to the site, and will be able to manage any problems that might arise promptly as well as check guests in and out. 

‘Direct employment opportunities will be created through staff to service and maintain the lodges and gardens, cleaning, laundry and so on, and there will also be further indirect employment opportunities as local facilities will benefit from increased visitors, albeit the scale of this site is modest and so the likely impact on any individual facility will be similarly so.’

A planning statement on behalf of Mrs Nyriy said: ‘During the course of the applicant’s ownership the property has been extensively re- planted with many new trees and shrubs and the original nursery plantings of magnolia and camellias that survived have been preserved. It is this work over the last 14 years that has created the present parkland. 

‘The development of the holiday lodge park with its associated landscaping and removal of unsightly and derelict poly tunnels and greenhouses will serve to further improve, enhance and add to the natural beauty of the landscape not detract from it.

‘The proposal would provide employment opportunities in the local area helping the district’s economy to prosper.’

Teignbridge Council’s planning committee will consider the application on Wednesday December 14.