'James Bond' house plans rejected by council

Councillors expressed concerns about the environmental impact

Plans for a three-storey, glass-fronted house in Torcross, south Devon, that has been referred to as a James Bond style dwelling, have been rejected.

The proposed structure, described as an "enormous glass and steel box" by Stokenham Parish Council Chairman Piers Spence, faced strong opposition from locals and members of South Hams Council’s Planning Committee.

The Berkshire-based applicants have submitted 10 different plans over the past decade for the site of the former Cove Guest House.

In 2021, a new design featuring large glass windows with aluminium panels was approved but subsequent applications to alter this design were refused.

'Incongruous'

Local resident Ollie Pawley described it as a "James Bond house".

Councillors expressed concerns about the environmental impact and potential erosion of the coastline.

Green Councillor Georgina Allen highlighted the risk of building a glass house in an area prone to erosion, while fellow Green Councillor Jacqi Hodgson criticised the design as "incongruous" and "discordant".

Mr Spence told the committee: "The applicant doesn’t want to build the project agreed in 2021 because it is going to cost him a huge amount of money, having got down to the site and realised just what is involved.

"Build what you’ve got permission for, or don’t build at all. Nobody in Torcross believes this will ever happen."

The planning committee voted nine to one to reject the application, citing design quality, increased glazing, and light pollution as reasons.

The applicant did not attend the meeting.