OBJECTING to a planning application to build 26 houses on the edge of Crediton, members of Crediton Hamlets Parish Council at their May meeting were disappointed affordable homes were no longer part of the application and any benefit to local people had been removed.

The application from Mr S Acarnley was Reserved matters for 26 dwellings with associated access, parking, open space, landscaping and supporting infrastructures, following outline approval having been given by Mid Devon District Council on land adjacent to Brookdale, Threshers.

Councillors agreed that while they were in favour of the reduction in the number of houses, all the affordable homes that were included in the outline application had been excluded.

They pointed out that the amount of open space for the use and enjoyment of local adults and children had been reduced as have the number of parking spaces which would had been particularly appreciated by local people in this congested area near the school.

Councillors felt that the benefits to local residents which would make building in this congested area more acceptable had been taken away. In view of this, councillors hoped that the applicant, working with the district council, would be able to find a way to reintroduce at least some of the local benefits.

GARDEN CENTRE

At this month’s meeting councillors said that the applicant was “just trying to modernise his business” and agreed to support a revised application from Mr R Broad for the remodelling and modernisation of the existing garden centre following demolition of existing structures to include erection of retail areas, cafe, warehouse, provision of parking areas and landscaping at Crediton Garden Centre, Barnstaple Cross.

Giving an update of the situation, Mid Devon District Council member, Cllr Derek Coren, commented that the current hold up was not Mid Devon but the Highways. But he felt most of the problems had been sorted.

One councillor found it “very strange” that although Mr Broad was not moving the business and wanted to use an entrance that was already there (almost opposite the veterinary clinic), he was not asking for anything more than just wanting to modernise and they would like to know why the application was being held up so much.

The council agreed to support the application.

It also agreed to support an application from Mr and Mrs J Huskinson for a single storey rear extension at Furze Park, Station Road, Yeoford.

Also an application from Mr K Hopkins for a ground floor rear extension and conversion of the garage to ancillary accommodation at 22 Yeo View, Yeoford.

IS IT OR ISN’T IT?

It was reported that a lot of people had been asking about what looked like a bungalow that had appeared quite quickly at View Farm, Keymelford, on the road between Yeoford and the Punchbowl.

It is understood a planning application has since been made for a temporary rural workers’ dwelling (mobile home) from South West Game Birds.

Vice chairman John Stevens congratulated Cllr Frank Letch on being elected to the Devon County Council seat for the area. It was also agreed to send a letter of thanks for his work to the former county councillor, Nick Way.

Mr Stevens reported that the person who runs the Community Garden beside Yeoford Hall had asked if the parish council could contribute towards the cost of compost for the garden. It was agreed to donate £100 towards buying more compost for the Community Garden.

APPROVED

It was noted that Mid Devon District Council had approved a planning application to build a golf simulator at Downes Golf Club, Crediton.

It had also given permission to Mrs T Matthews to vary Condition 2 of planning permission 20/01146/FULL to allow a substitution of plans to alter the external appearance of the building at Marlin Sportscars Engineering Workshop, Trobridge.

Also to C Janion to build a summer house/home office and replacement of a garage and carport following demolition of the existing garage at Cooks Cottage, Gunstone.