BY the casting vote of the committee chairman, Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee approved an application for the change of use of agricultural land to allow one pitch for the siting of one static caravan, two touring caravans and associated works for the use of a gypsy and traveller family on land north of Shortacombe Farm, Shortacombe Lane, Yeoford.

The committee heard that this application was nearly identical to one brought before it last August which had been refused. The applicant had appealed but the submission was not made in time because of Covid and so the district council had a duty to determine this latest proposal. It had also been called in by the Ward member, Cllr Stuart Penny.

The planning officer reminded members of the previous reason for refusal and confirmed that this revised application included a personal condition regarding who could live there. He said this was not common but could be justified in exceptional circumstances.

Three parish councils - Hittisleigh, Cheriton Bishop and Crediton Hamlets - had objected and there had been 33 letters of objection plus seven in support.

It was noted that no more than three caravans could be there at any time and use would be restricted to the applicant and her son. Approval came with 16 conditions.

Voting was 4-4. The committee chairman used his casting vote. Cllr Heal had declared a personal interest because he knew a neighbour of the site.

Full details of the committee meeting are on the district council website.