Great crested newts scupper homeowner's plans for private tennis court

The proposal was originally submitted to Shropshire Council last year, but the local authority rejected the scheme as an "unacceptable level of encroachment into the open countryside". 

Disputing the decision, applicant Mr Stephens launched an appeal with the Government Planning Inspectorate. 

Mr Stephens argued the court would provide "a valuable health and fitness facility that contributes to the well-being of occupiers and visitors" at a home that had poor public transport links to similar facilities.

"The nearest tennis court/sports facility is The Shrewsbury Club, which is approximately nine miles away. Residents and the surrounding area therefore do not benefit from easy/short/sustainable access to local leisure and sports facilities," appeal documents stated. 

The applicant also argued that the potential impact on biodiversity could be mitigated and a "comprehensive scheme of trees and hedges planting" could blend the court in with its surroundings.

But a Government inspector has now sided with the council and found that the proposed facility would "unacceptably harm the character and appearance of the area".

Inspector A O'Neill also raised concerns over the potential impact on great crested newts - a protected species - due to a nearby pond. 

The report stated: "The presence of great crested newts cannot be ruled out, nor can I be certain as to the extent to which they may be affected. 

"Moreover, if protected species were affected, I cannot be satisfied that appropriate mitigation measures could be secured."

In regards to the homeowner's benefit from an on-site sports facility, the inspector said the it was "a well-founded principle that the planning system does not exist to protect private interests". 

The full application and decision notice can be viewed online on Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number 25/03382/REF.