A NEW scheme to knock down a Victorian villa and replace it with flats has been put forward just days after a planning inspector threw out a previous one. Applicant Cliff Hurst, with HLF Planning, is seeking permission for nine two-bedroom apartments in place of the existing building at Marlyn, Second Drive, Teignmouth. The previous application by Hexagon Enterprises Ltd for 12 flats was refused and an appeal thrown out by inspector Neil Pope. In a new design statement, HLF Planning states that the lower density is 'another way forward' for the application. 'Such a reduction will offer considerable amenity to all. 'Any fears of overlooking are eliminated and are better than the existing house,' it states. Town council planning chairman Cllr Sylvia Russell, who also spoke against the appeal, said: 'I am very surprised that a new application has been submitted so soon, particularly after the inspector was so comprehensive in refusing the original appeal. 'Our main concern then was over development, but the footprint remains the same,' she said. In making his decision, Mr Pope said that properties in First, Second and Third Drives represented 'a coherent group of late nineteenth century buildings' and that they made 'a pleasing and important contribution to the character and appearance of this part of Teignmouth'. He said Marlyn House was 'a good example of the Victorian villas found in this part of the town' and that it did not appear to be suffering from any major structural problems. Marlyn House is now situated in the newly-extended St James' conservation area. Teignbridge planning officer Nick Davies said that the new proposals would be determined under conservation area policies. The ward member has requested that the application goes to the development control committee if officers are minded to approve. If so, the earliest date for committee would be February 5.
