AN appeal against the refusal of plans to build seven houses on a village pub car park has been dismissed by a Government planning inspector.

The application for seven houses — three two-bedroom and four three-bedroom — with parking on land at the Bullers Arms Hotel car park, Marhamchurch, and demolition of the last addition to the function suite, was refused by Cornwall Council in October.

The application was rejected because it 'failed to demonstrate noise levels from the Bullers Arms pub and its outdoor space would not have an adverse impact on future residents of plot 1 within the proposed layout'.

Applicant Stephen Rudman appealed the council's decision and an informal hearing was attended by planning inspector Andrew Dawe in April. Mr Dawe heard evidence from all parties and carried out a site visit.

Members of the community, including Marhamchurch Conservation Group, current owner, Nicola Unger, former landlords of the Bullers Arms, Cornwall and parish councillors spoke against the appeal, with concerns over the viability of the pub. Walter Wonnacott from Peter Wonnacott Planning spoke in favour of the appeal on behalf of Mr Rudman.

The inspector's decision to dismiss the appeal was announced at the end of May.

In Mr Dawe's report he says despite 'small social and economic benefit' in providing additional homes and jobs during construction, 'unacceptable harm' would be caused through noise impacts.

He said: "The proposed development would have a small social and economic benefit in terms of providing additional homes to the general housing supply and bringing additional people into the community.

"It could also provide short-term local economic benefits with regard to its construction through the provision of jobs, and use of contractors and suppliers.

"It would also have a small benefit in terms of visual enhancement to this part of the village and conservation area.

"However, these factors do not outweigh the unacceptable harm I have found would be caused in respect of noise to the prospective occupiers of plot 1 and to the value of the Bullers Arms as a community facility."

Mr Dawe also recognised the loss of 'an important community facility' if a 'large part' of the function room was removed. He said a significantly smaller function room would be retained 'but this would inevitably lessen the extent to which that facility could operate'.

He added in his report: "It is clear from the substantive representations from local residents and the parish council as to the community value attached to the function room. Given that a large part of that facility would be removed, the proposed development would result in the loss of an important community facility."

Chris Jopling, on behalf of Marhamchurch Conservation Group, welcomed the decision and said there was 'relief' in the community.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.