A SCHEME to convert a disused Lydford pub into six dwellings was this week given the green light by planners, despite objections from residents and two parish councils.
West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee heard the Mucky Duck, a substantial three-storey building including the pub and a collection of self-contained bed and breakfast units, already had change of use permission allowing the pub to be converted to a dwelling.
An application to develop seven dwellings on the site was rejected in June.
Residents in the area objected to the new application, claiming the scheme was detrimental in a rural area, an over-intensive use of the site, contrary to local planning policies and would put too much pressure on the sewage and drainage system.
Objector Sue Boxall said the scheme was ?clearly flawed?, it was contrary to planning guidelines and inappropriate to the area.
Cllr Pam Scannell, ward member, urged the committee to reject the scheme.
She said residents attending a meeting in Brentor concerning the application had been very concerned at the density and style of the development ? four dwellings would have been a more acceptable number, said Cllr Scannell.
?There are no benefits for first time buyers here and we need to protect facilities which could offer employment,? she said.
?It?s offering nothing to the community whatsoever.?
But developer Jonathan Mathys said he was ?astounded? his last application had been refused.
He said his revised scheme overcame previous objections and that the development would provide quality housing for families, with gardens.
Steven Gill, West Devon?s planning chief, said the application was within local planning guidelines for rural areas.
Cllrs John Darch and Jane Waterhouse agreed the new application was far more acceptable.
Consent was granted unanimously, subject to conditions including landscaping, removal of permitted development rights and installation of a foul drainage scheme.