A SCHEME to provide eleven affordable homes for residents in North Tawton has been given the go-ahead by West Devon Borough Council.

The scheme for the two and three bedroom units on land adjacent to Barkers Way was given unanimous support by councillors at a planning committee meeting last week.

It will provide affordable housing which had originally been expected to be provided by the woollen mill development project approved earlier this year. However, the affordable housing aspect of the scheme was removed following concerns over the mill project's viability.

Head of planning Malcolm Elliott said: 'For North Tawton and the area there is an immediate need for these eleven affordable housing units. There is an identified need for these houses for local people.'

Cllr Bill Cann said: 'I think we have to support housing like this for local people and young people who are having a difficult time getting housing at the moment.

'It is very important we keep young people in our villages and towns, and opportunities like this don't come along every day.'