A CONTROVERSIAL application to build four homes to the rear of the former Grade II listed Royal Oak in Bridestowe has been deferred because of flooding issues.

Mr Ray Taylor is seeking permission from West Devon Borough Council to construct a terrace of four properties, but the scheme has been opposed by Bridestowe Parish Council and 24 local residents who are concerned the site is on a flood plain, the access is not safe, the proposal would have a detrimental affect on the appearance of the village centre and other issues.

There were also questions over the emergency access in event of a flood. The access would have to be over land owned by the church but permission had not yet been sought for this.

The plans were deferred because of the applicant's negotiations with the Exeter Diocese regarding the emergency access.

The site is currently disused and grassed over but is at the rear of the former pub, which was given consent to be converted into two houses in 2006.

Planning officers had recommended the plan be refused because it was contrary to policy. There was no evidence to show that there were no other reasonably available sites of lower flood risk and it had not been adequately demonstrated that this proposal would not increase the risk to human life and property from flooding.