A PROPOSAL to site an engineering business at Strawberry Fields in Lifton has been rejected because it would be visually intrusive into the countryside, planners agreed last week.
It was considered that the building, which would measure 18m x 22.8m x 7m and be used as an agricultural engineering workshop and to manufacture craft items, would be better suited on an industrial estate and not in the open countryside.
The proposal by Mr R Mounce was to relocate an existing business from its current premises in Tinhay to land adjacent to the Strawberry Fields fruit growing business and farm shop.
Planning officers had advised the applicant that his proposal was against national and local planning policy and to look for an alternative location, but he had failed to take this advice, West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee was told. It was felt that the size and hilltop location of the proposal would impact on the surrounding countryside.