Housing development near Okehampton approved despite strong local objections

Plans for up to 12 new homes in Bratton Clovelly have been approved following a planning committee meeting held earlier today (Tuesday 13 January).

West Devon Borough Council councillors voted nine in favour and one against granting outline planning permission for residential development on land at Bratton Clovelly.

READ NEXT: Okehampton roadworks update after safety fears force Wales and West rethink

The application sought outline planning permission, with some matters reserved, for up to 12 dwellings, made up of three affordable homes and nine open market properties. 

Access to the site was included in the application, while other details will be considered at a later stage.

The proposal was brought before councillors after the public consultation period ended in October last year.

Speaking against the application, one councillor raised concerns about the sustainability of the village and the lack of local services.

“I accept that Bratton Clovelly is technically sustainable,” she said. “But at the end of the day there is no shop, post office or bus service. There’s no proof of need, and for that reason I will have to vote against.”

Councillor Kimber spoke in support of the scheme, saying rural villages should not be ruled out for development.

“To my mind rural villages have always been sustainable communities, this development will bring around 20 wonderful new people into the community.

“In my opinion these people will eventually contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of Bratton Clovelly, so I will be supporting it.”

ABOVE: The proposed area of the development in map form (Image: West Devon Borough Council)

The application was submitted by Mr and Mrs G & C and P & S Parfitt & Bourdeaux, with Trewin Design Architects acting as agent, and Adrian Noon as case officer.

The application attracted 33 letters of representation, all of which were objections submitted by local residents during the consultation period.

Many of the objections raised similar concerns, including the lack of village services, limited public transport, increased traffic on narrow rural lanes, drainage and surface water issues, and fears that the development could set a precedent for further housing on the site.

Two local residents, who live near the proposed development, said the scheme appeared to be a reduced version of a previously refused application. 

“This application appears to be a reduced version of a previous planning application, for up to 23 dwellings on the same site, which was refused” they wrote.

“Should this application be passed, there is the possibility it could set a precedent enabling an expansion of this site or further similar developments in the future.”

They added that concerns raised during the earlier application remained unresolved, including “lack of public transport links, increased usage of narrow country lanes, lack of facilities in the village, and problems with surface water drainage.”

Other locals also objected to the proposal, citing the absence of local amenities and transport connections. 

“The village has no amenities to support the building of twelve properties of undisclosed size. There are no real transport links and it is three miles from the nearest regular bus route.”

They also raised concerns about drainage, adding:

“From the plans submitted we can foresee problems arising from inadequate drainage and surface water runoff that would affect our listed property and others close by.”

Several residents also highlighted existing traffic pressures in the village, with one objection noting an increase in vehicles using narrow lanes and warning that the development “would only add to this.”

Despite the objections, councillors voted to approve the application in principle at committee.

West Devon Borough Council has been approached for comment by The Moorlander.