The owner of the cottage next door to me recently had a conservatory added to the back of her home, which is a listed building, forming part of the terraces in Mill Street. The fact that when she first decided to do so she was advised that she did not need planning consent, has offered her no protection now. She was clearly misinformed by those who should have given her proper guidance which is annoying in itself, however, the reasons given for her appeals being dismissed are of direct relevance and interest to our campaign.

As it was built with 'unsympathetic materials' it is deemed not to fit in with local surroundings and the conservation area. (Note: the letter from the Inspector makes various references to this part of St. Osyth as being within the conservation area including the following useful definition: '...the St. Osyth Conservation Area, which is focused on the historic core of the Priory, grounds and deer park, but incorporates Mill Street and the Quayside'). Another objection is that it can be seen from Mill Street and so therefore cannot be allowed. I have just been to look to see if I can see it from the street. You can just see the top of it if you stand on a particular spot, crane your neck above a wall and make a point of looking into someone else's property without their consent. No casual passers-by would spot it or be offended by it.

So we can only assume that if the Priory gets the go ahead they will not be able to build anything with modern materials if it can be seen it from Mill Street. We can rely on the Planning Inspectorate Quality Assurance in Bristol to ensure that modern building does not take place having now set this clear precedent for the conservation area that is Mill Street. I find this most reassuring and encouraging.