THE first phase of the major development planned for land adjacent to Okehampton's Exeter Road Industrial Estate has been approved by borough councillors.

Linden Homes, the team overseeing the development plan, submitted a reserved matters application for 20 dwellings adjacent to 33 Baldwin Drive. It is the first phase of a plan to build 320 homes on the site, ranging in style and size.

Eight borough councillors voted unanimously to approve the construction of the 20 houses at a planning committee meeting last week.

Seven of the 20 properties will be bungalows, with the other 13 as two-storey houses. None of these homes will be for affordable housing, but there will be 100 affordable homes scattered throughout the rest of the site once it receives the go-ahead.

The only vehicular access to the 20 new homes will be through an extension to Baldwin Drive. No vehicular access will be available to the rest of the prospective build, with these 20 houses enclosing a cul-de-sac at the end of the extended road.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council Cllr James McInnes said: 'There has been considerable consultation between residents of Baldwin Drive and Linden Homes, and residents have been well listened to.

'I feel the development melds well with the character of the residential properties on Baldwin Drive, and I fully support the

case officer's recommendation to grant the application.'

Cllr John Hockridge added: 'I very much support the application. Our planning officer has gone to much effort to secure a high quality application here, and I think the houses will fit well with Baldwin Drive.'

Linden Homes is currently looking to submit further details of the rest of the scheme to West Devon Borough Council in May.