Described on the planning application form as a ‘Retrospective Planning Application for Erection of Domestic Log Store

Appeal Decision Site visit made on 10 May 2026 by A Hartley, LLB (Hons), Solicitor, MBA an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 5 June 2026 Appeal Ref: 6006508 “Lebanon”, Acacia Drive, Lower Pilsley, Nr. Chesterfield, Derbyshire S45 8DY • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by Mrs K Lamb against the decision of North East Derbyshire District Council. • The application Ref is 25/00874/FLH. • The development is described on the planning application form as a ‘Retrospective Planning Application for Erection of Domestic Log Store.’ Decision 1. The appeal is dismissed. Preliminary Matter 2. On site I observed that the appeal development is in situ. Main Issue 3. The main issue is the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area. Reasons 4. The appeal property is a bungalow of reconstituted stone on a large corner plot, situated within an area characterised by red brick bungalows with generally open frontages. There appear to be no stand alone outbuildings to the front of properties within the surrounding area. 5. The development introduces an outbuilding of timber construction with slate roof to the front of the property. The store is modest in size when compared to the bungalow, but it is highly prominent within the street scene as it projects a significant distance forward of the front of the dwelling. The log store appears to have been professionally constructed and well designed. However, due to its location near to the pavement as well as its contrasting use of materials, it appears stark and incongruous in the street scene. I do not consider that weathering of the materials in time would meaningfully reduce the unsympathetic appearance of the store. 6. In the event of this appeal being dismissed, the appellant suggests that logs would still be stored to the front of the bungalow but under tarpaulin. This fallback may occur, but the log store that is the subject of this appeal would be a permanent Appeal Decision 6006508 2 feature, irrespective as to whether the occupants of the property need to store logs outside the dwelling. As such, the appeal development would continue to have a worse effect on the character and appearance of the area compared to the fallback position. 7. The area to the front of the bungalow is used for parking. However, unlike the log store, vehicles stationed to the front of residences is common within the street scene. Also, parking on the site or adjoining properties does not prevent sight of the log store from the road. 8. Thus, I conclude the appeal development harms the identified character and appearance of the area contrary to Policies SS7, LC5 and SDC12 of the North East Derbyshire Local Plan (2021). These seek development of high quality design that responds positively to its local context and character. Other Matters 9. The appellant cites increased privacy as a benefit associated with the appeal scheme. This purported benefit attracts limited weight and does not overcome the identified harm. 10. Interested parties have raised concerns about highway safety. I am satisfied from the evidence provided by the Council that there is no detrimental impact on highway safety as a result of the appeal development. Conclusion 11. The appeal development conflicts with the development plan when read as a whole. Therefore, for the reasons given, I conclude that the appeal should be dismissed. A Hartley INSPECTOR