LOCAL people have reacted with anger after a planning application for four detached houses in Hope Cove will destroy a local beauty spot.

An outline application for the demolition of West View on New Road, that joins Inner and Outer Hope, has been submitted to South Hams Council by Mr Robert Lane, with an application of up to four detached properties to be built on the site.

The edge of the site, which was owned by an elderly resident who has passed away, has three benches that look out over the beach and harbour below.

Residents have said the site is where you can see panoramic views of the bay and is the only place where the elderly can sit and enjoy the view without having to walk too far.

There have been a couple of objections already sent to South Hams Council, including one from Joe Hart, who says that ‘each year, thousands of visitors stop their cars or sit on the benches to admire the views. Bolt Tail to the south, Burgh Island to the north and on a clear day, the Eddystone Lighthouse just visible on the horizon.

‘Along with most Hope Cove locals I have been under the impression the previous owners, known to the more elderly locals as the Stribling boys, had taken steps to preserve the site. Sadly it transpires this is not the case and should this site be developed as proposed, the brothers will be turning in their graves.

‘There is no doubt these proposed properties will become second homes, empty for most of the year. The Hope Cove second home ratio is currently an enormous 73 per cent.

‘I ask the planners to review this application carefully before this fragile coastal community is drowned under the weight of more second homes.’

Another, from Edwina Smart, says: ‘I, with some friends, am currently in the throes of replacing one of the benches along the bank of New Road to commemorate my relative, along with her deceased good friend who was born and bred in the village, both of whom were pillars of the village.

‘The inscription will read something along the lines of “for you to sit and admire the view of Hope Cove, the village they both loved”. These memorials benches are public seats and are well used for visitors to do just that and their significant should not be undermined.’

Ms Smart also mentions holiday homes, saying: ‘The proposed dwellings are potential holiday homes, which are superfluous to requirements and there is no need for this kind of development within the village.

‘Like me, the current owners of West View inherited their property. I consider that the legacy I received is a gift of responsibility to preserving the future of Hope Cove for generations to come.

‘Personal gain should not override the interests of the village’.

The Highways consultation also recommends refusal of the planning application due to ‘concerns as to how on-site parking will be accommodated safely’ as ‘adequate information has not been submitted to satisfy the Local Planning Authority that the proposal is acceptable in terms of proposed access levels, off-street parking and on-site turning facilities’.

You can view and comment on the application on the South Hams Planning website: HERE