Exclusive by Alan Quick

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for 60 dwellings at Dulings Farm, Copplestone, has been rejected by Mid Devon planners.

At the Mid Devon District Council Planning Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 4, the planning committee heard many representations from local councillors and residents before deciding to refuse the outline application.

Alice Fraser Edwards, from Copplestone Residents’ Action Group, which has opposed the plan, said: “The planning committee voted to reject the application on many of the grounds we, as the community, have exercised throughout the campaign— primarily, the location of the development (which falls outside the village boundary), the inadequacy of Copplestone’s infrastructure, the flooding issues it would exacerbate and the negative impact to highways and education.

“Also taken into consideration were policy matters, such as the proposed development’s inability to fully comply with the National Planning Policy Framework and issues surrounding Mid Devon’s land supply.

“While no one was present at the meeting to speak on behalf of the developer, many attended on behalf of Copplestone’s community to present a strong argument against the development.

“Councillor Derek Coren spoke as the elected member against the proposal; Copplestone Parish Council Chair Stuart Penny, Cllr Nick Way and a representative from the Residents’ Action Group, also all spoke in objection to the application.

“In addition to this, many challenging questions were put to the planning officer (Simon Trafford) regarding the application and his earlier decision to approve.

“Furthermore, there was great public turnout; we want to thank everyone who took the journey to Tiverton to support us.

“The decision to refuse the application has been met with much delight from the community of Copplestone and has renewed hope that community input really does have a significant impact.

“While fighting a development that would surely destroy any essence of community in Copplestone, many of us have discovered a great sense of community and friendship in coming together to save the village from this disastrous development.”

She added: “Particular thanks go to all members of our small Residents’ Action Group who have worked tirelessly and efficiently over the tricky Christmas and New Year period to get this result. We, as a group, would also like to sincerely thank Derek Coren for his thorough guidance and support. Thank you all and well done on the result.”

Stuart Penny, Chairman, Copplestone Parish Council, told the “Courier”: “Copplestone Parish Council is delighted with this result. It shows that communities, when working together, do have a voice and can make themselves heard.”