PLANS for a tennis pavilion at a 38.5-acre St Martin estate have been given the go-ahead after a planning inspector recommended overturning an earlier refusal.
Hollybank (Holdings) Limited appealed after permission was refused in March for the phased construction of a single-storey pavilion, enclosed tennis court and garden terrace at Hollybank House on La Rue des Huriaux in St Martin.
Planning had raised concerns that the 90sqm pavilion would be visually dominant and intrusive in the rural landscape, as well as about the information provided on biodiversity.
However, independent planning inspector Fortune Gumbo found in the applicant’s favour on both grounds.
He concluded that the development would not harm the character or appearance of the area, saying its impact would be limited by the estate’s size, topography and landscaping.
Mr Gumbo also found there was no substantive evidence the scheme would significantly harm biodiversity following further ecological surveys.
Planning Minister Sir Mark Boleat has now upheld the appeal and granted permission subject to conditions, in line with the inspector’s recommendation.
