More houses for Halwill Junction, Torridge?

Despite a previous appeal for a new housing development in Holly Lane being dismissed, a new application has been submitted to Torridge District Council for 20 dwellings (ref 1/0020/2026/FULM). We have submitted an objection because the current proposal does not meaningfully address the Inspector’s previous concerns and does not overcome the reasons why the earlier scheme was dismissed.

Application for 120 dwellings on the Callington Road, Tavistock, faces strong opposition

There has been a large outcry of opposition from local residents to this latest planning application for new houses in Tavistock, with many people fearing that the roads and services in and around the town just can’t cope with any more. We have submitted a comprehensive objection to the application (ref 3771/25/OPA). Approximately 91% of the site is classified as Grade 3a agricultural land, which constitutes Best & Most Verstatile (BMV). This land is a finite and valuable resource.

The current NPPF(December 2024) is clear that significant weight should be given to the protection of BMV land, and that where development of such land is proposed, lower quality land should be used in preference. The loss of BMV land should only be justified where there is a clear and overriding need and where no reasonable alternatives exist. The proposed development would result in the permanent loss of BMV land, with no scope for reinstatement.

Another large housing development at Ottery St Mary, East Devon

We have submitted a comprehensive objection to the latest application for 63 dwellings on land east of the Sidmouth Road (ref 26/0094/MOUT). East Devon District Council’s own evidence base Site Selection Report Ottery St Mary (Sept 2024 p 36-38) concluded this site should not be allocated due to landscape sensitivity, heritage considerations, infrastructure constraints, highway limitations, and high-quality agricultural land. There has been no change in circumstances.