A planning appeal challenging South Hams District Council’s decision over the future of a community cafe site has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Galion Homes Ltd put forward the appeal in the hope of demolishing the Bay View Cafe, Bigbury and the adjoining Warren Cottage to build four new luxury homes.

The plans were refused by the council on October 11, 2016 on the grounds that the cafe should remain because it is an important community facility and a tourist asset.

Warren Cottage and the cafe are landmark buildings with a degree of heritage interest in the village.

When the council refuses a planning application, the applicant has the right to challenge that decision at an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The Planning Inspectorate is a Government Body with individual inspectors who are appointed by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

The appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate last week, on Friday, January 19. SHDC have said how pleased they are with the result, which has upheld the council’s decision.

Questions related to the status of the cafe as an Asset of Community Value and the potential demolition of buildings under Permitted Development are entirely separate to the planning appeal and are ongoing.

In some instances, Permitted Development will still allow developers to demolish buildings, but this is ultimately beyond the control of the council.

“This is a great result for the council and an important decision which highlights our commitment to protecting Tourist and Community Assets through the planning process” said Cllr Hilary Bastone.

The SHDC’s Executive Portfolio Holder for Customer First said: “The decision will help us in safeguarding facilities, not just in Bigbury but across the South Hams coast.”

The main issues listed in the appeal case include: the possible “loss of a community facility”, whether the building should be “treated as a heritage site” and the effect of the proposed plans on the “character and appearance of the area”.

In addition, the planning inspectorate highlighted the dual role of the cafe-as a “refreshment facility” and a “meeting point for residents and local community groups”.

“The evidence points to the cafe being a popular and thriving venue, with the premises often being fully booked in the evenings.”

Attention was also brought to the adjoining property, Warren Cottage, “the oldest house within Bigbury-on-Sea”. The property, as advised by Historic England is “of local interest as one of the earliest surviving coastal cottages to service the local fishing community”.

Galion Homes Ltd were contacted for a comment but have not responded as of yet.