50 Kings Way Lyme Regis DT7 3DU

1. 1.Kings Way is characterised predominantly by its stone walling, set back nature of dwellings from the road frontage and retained front grassed/planted garden areas. Given the raised nature of many of these frontage gardens, they are a key feature of the street which appears as being verdant and softened as a result. As such, this proposal which will effectively remove the entire raised front garden and incorporate significant engineering works in the form of retaining structures and hard landscaping that will set a precedent for incremental removal of that sense of pleasing character as outlined, the resulting frontage to the dwelling from the street appearing visually incongruous; contrary to policy ENV12 of the West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan (2015) and policy DP3 of the NPPF (2026). Whilst the benefits of providing off street parking are acknowledged, it is considered that the harm to the street scene outweighs the benefit of achieving one extra dedicated space in an urban area where parking is readily available elsewhere.
2. 2.The proposed development, by reason of the creation of a new vehicular access and off- street parking area serving the dwelling, has failed to demonstrate that adequate visibility splays can be achieved in accordance with the principles set out within Manual for Streets. In the absence of visibility splay plans and supporting highway evidence, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that vehicles can safely enter and exit the site without causing unacceptable risks to highway users. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policies COM7 and COM9 of the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan (2015) and the highway safety objectives under policy TR3 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026).
3. 3.The site lies within an identified land instability area. The proposed excavation and formation of a parking platform would require the removal of a significant volume of soil and extensive engineering operations. The submitted Ground Stability Assessment identifies that excavation could result in a significant risk of triggering slope instability unless substantial supporting works are undertaken. In the absence of detailed geotechnical investigations, engineering designs and evidence demonstrating that the development would not trigger instability, subsidence or landsliding, the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not adversely affect land stability within or beyond the site. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy ENV7 of the West Dorset, Weymouth and Portland Local Plan (2015) and policy P2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026).

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

DT7 3DU

Application type

Householder Planning Permission

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Lyme Regis

Date validated

7 July 2026

Agent address

Office 4, 2nd Floor 57/58 Broad Street Lyme Regis DT7 3QF

Documents

7