Dedham Vale Society

exactly described the appearance in 2010. The only realalterations had been the removal of the polished mahoganybathroom, “WC fitted Underhay’s patent flush pedestal panin mahogany case”, to be replaced by the ubiquitous 1970s“Avocado” suite! The Italianate ceilings were still in place aswas the kitchen dresser, the Butler’s Pantry, including all thefittings and the bells to call the servants. The building wasnot listed and an approach was made, supported by the DVSCommittee, to English Heritage but after a lengthyconsideration it was decided that listing would not beappropriate as it was of no special architectural merit. Thehouse was subsequently bought by a developer who hasretained many of the original features.I am indebted to Jessica Duncan for help with this article.Paul GallifantSUFFOLK PLANNING NOTESince I contributed my note to the winter edition of themagazine there has been some progress on the productionof a Local Development Framework for the BaberghDistrict, in that after some 6 months the Council has issueda set of proposed amendments to their Core StrategySubmission Draft, taking into account the comments madeon the draft and the advent of the National Planning PolicyFramework in the Spring. As far as the AsONB areconcerned these changes make little difference – althoughwe do at least now get one specific reference in perhaps themost important of all the proposed Core Strategies (CS10)but there is a worrying change of tone/emphasis at the startof the document. A new policy, CS0, is inserted which statesinter alia;“When considering development proposals the Council willtake a positive approach that reflects the presumption infavour of sustainable development contained in the NationalPlanning Policy Framework……Planning Applications thatare supported by appropriate/proportionate evidence andaccord with the policies in the new Babergh Local Plan(and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans)will be approved without delay unless materialconsiderations indicate otherwise. Where there are nopolicies relevant to the application or relevant policies areout of date at the time of making the decision then theCouncil will grant permission unless materialconsiderations indicate otherwise – taking into accountwhether:• Any adverse impacts ofgranting permission wouldsignificantly and demonstrablyoutweigh benefits,when assessed against thepolicies in the NationalPlanning Policy Frameworktaken as a whole orThe applicant appealed, in February, against Babergh’srefusal to grant permission for a change of colour to thewalls and woodwork of St Hughs in School Street, Stoke byNayland to which I referred last time. At the time of writing(August) no decision has been announced by the PlanningInspectorate.A further application was submitted to build on the site ofthe former bus garage in Mill Street, Nayland. It remainedseriously flawed and of no material improvement on itspredecessor, a badly designed attempt to cram too muchinto the available space which is unacceptable in theconservation area of this beautiful village. It was dulyrejected by the Council.A revised proposal for a house to replace theundistinguished bungalow, Knutmill, Scotland Street, towhich I referred last Summer has now been approved.My opposite number in Essex, Roger Drury, refers toproblems of light pollution on his side of the river. Thisproduct of 21st century security needs has also reared itshead here. However, I am pleased to report that the ownerof the property in question has agreed to mitigate the effectsby reducing and toning down his security lights.David EkingPlanning Secretary, Suffolk• Specific policies in thatframework indicate thatdevelopment should berestricted”.It is anybody’s guess whatplanners and DevelopmentCommittee members will makeof such convoluted language butit remains clear that the Districtneeds an approved LocalDevelopment Framework/newLocal Plan in the shortestpossible timeframe.Hudson’s Cottage in winter10