Architects step in to save Yelland treehouse plans

ARCHITECTS have stepped in to rescue plans for a treehouse that had looked to have fallen foul of planning regulations. As reported on the front page of last week's Gazette, Joanne Bell was told she would need to supply North Devon Council with a site loc

ARCHITECTS have stepped in to rescue plans for a treehouse that had looked to have fallen foul of planning regulations.

As reported on the front page of last week's Gazette, Joanne Bell was told she would need to supply North Devon Council with a site location plan and metric scale drawings of the treehouse she was planning to erect in the back garden of her Yelland home.

Planning officers said Mrs Bell would need to pay �150 to submit an official householder application in order to obtain the necessary planning permission.

But within hours of the article being published on Wednesday, help was at hand in the form of Debbie Newcombe from architectural design company, R A Rowe & Co.

Debbie contacted the Gazette to kindly offer to design and work out all specifications for Mrs Bell's treehouse. The Morwenstow-based firm has even offered to submit the final application to the council - completely free of charge.

"I am amazed at the reaction to this story," said Mrs Bell. "People seem genuinely annoyed at this latest piece of politically correct nonsense.

"I believe I could well have the first 'legal' Tree House in North Devon."