AN application for 23 homes in Tavistock has been granted conditional approval by West Devon Borough Council, despite objections from local residents.

The revised application for homes on land adjacent to Brook Farm, Brook Lane in Tavistock, off the A386, was given approval on October 12.

Westward Housing Group Ltd applied for approval to build eight affordable/local needs units and 15 open market units with associated access road, parking and external works. A new access was proposed from Brook Lane serving the dwellings within the development.

The company first applied for outline permission to build on the land back in June 2015. West Devon Borough Council refused planning permission, however, it was granted by the Planning Inspectorate on appeal. The full application was submitted in March 2017 and approved after changes were made to flood prevention measures at the site and after agreements were made for Section 106 contributions.

Around 35 letters of objection were sent to West Devon Borough Council, one undecided and one in support. Concerns were raised within the letters of objection that the site would cause traffic congestion safety issues; would lead to loss of private views; and that the design and proposed materials were not acceptable.

One person, who was against the development, said that the site would add to the traffic issues in the road.

‘Brook Lane is a narrow country lane that already suffers from traffic concerns. I do not feel safe walking along the lane because of fast cars and because there isn’t a pavement to keep me safe, not to mention the blind corner that often vehicles drive too fast around.

‘And consider the impact on the roundabout at the A386, the lack of pavements and how traffic will cope at the extremely narrow bridge.’

A West Devon Borough Council planning officer granted the revised application on October 12, subject to conditions.

Cllr Graham Parker, ward member for Tavistock South West, said: ‘The outline application for this site was granted on appeal by the Planning Inspectorate, and therefore permission existed in principle for the development.

‘Accordingly we worked with the developer to overcome the issues raised regarding flooding and develop a drainage solution within the site, which naturally led to the decision being delayed.

‘However, the planning officer has taken full account of all the comments received, and produced a thorough, well-considered report.

‘In light of this, both I and Cllr Evans were happy to delegate this decision to the officer.’