Local resident unveils fresh commercial plans for Lifton industrial site
A vacant unit at Tinhay Mill Industrial Estate in West Devon could soon be transformed under new plans submitted to the local borough council
A local hairdresser is seeking planning approval to open a new hair and beauty salon inside a vacant industrial unit in Lifton.
Mrs Tracey Enriquez, a village resident with years of hairdressing experience in the locality, has submitted a full planning application to West Devon Borough Council.
Under application reference 2037/26/FUL, the proposal requests a formal change of use for "The Shed" at Unit 1A, Tinhay Mill Industrial Estate, transforming the site into a commercial salon.
The 35-square-metre building was previously approved for use as a bakery and takeaway business before becoming vacant in July 2026.
According to the Planning History section of the Design & Access document prepared by the applicant, “The proposed use is considered less intensive in terms of noise, odour and operational impacts than the previously approved use.”
If approved, the new business will operate six days a week, opening from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday through Saturday.
The scheme is expected to create 1.5 full-time equivalent positions, providing one full-time role for Mrs Enriquez and a part-time opportunity for a beautician.
The planning statement highlights that the applicant has already secured a two-year lease on the building.
"This proposal involves the reuse of an existing commercial building and introduces a new service for the village, the local industrial estate, and the wider community," the statement details.
Internal works inside the single-room property will remain minimal, requiring only the installation of a hair-washing sink, shelving, a styling area, and a beauty treatment space alongside the existing WC.
No external alterations are proposed for the building, and access arrangements will stay the same.
Appointments will be staggered to manage customer visits, with a maximum of two clients on site at any given time.
The applicant anticipates that many local clients will walk to the salon, keeping vehicle traffic low.
Residents can view the plans and submit comments on the West Devon Borough Council planning portal before the public consultation closes on 10 September 2026.