More houses for Newton Abbot

Plans for new housing on a greenfield site near Newton Abbot have been given the go-ahead after a government inspector overturned a decision by local councillors.

Teignbridge District Council’s planning committee had previously refused permission for 28 homes to be built on land off Whitehill Road near Highweek Village, citing concerns that the development would spoil the setting of a nearby medieval church and harm local wildlife. The proposal, submitted by Bramley Homes, was rejected just over a year ago despite officers recommending approval.

Councillors raised objections over the impact on rare greater horseshoe bats, drainage and traffic issues, and the proximity of the homes to the Grade I listed All Saints Church, which has been in use since 1428. During the debate, Conservative councillor Phil Bullivant (Bradley) said heritage bodies shared those concerns.

“This proposal harms the setting of the church,” he said.

Historic England was also reported to have highlighted the closeness of the proposed housing to the hilltop church. Following the refusal, Bramley Homes lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

After visiting the site, the government inspector ruled in favour of the developer, concluding that the new homes would sit down a steep slope away from the church and would be screened from view by existing hedges and trees.

The decision clears the way for construction of the 28 homes, although a series of conditions have been imposed. These include measures to protect wildlife on and around the site, with specific safeguards required for bats, badgers, dormice and hedgehogs.