PLANNING permission to build nine houses in principle on farmland in Nomansland has been granted.

Since Bob Charlton of Southwick Farm only asked the council to allow development in principle, another application will be needed later before the houses are built to decide what they will look like and other particulars.

The new homes would be located just east of Nomansland Cricket Club and accessed from the B3137.

Planning documents had argued that, since Mid Devon District Council cannot show the government it has at least five years’ worth of land for new homes, the scheme should be approved.

“Mid Devon District Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land,” they said.

“Under the National Planning Policy Framework (Paragraph 11d), this triggers the presumption in favour of sustainable development.”

Mid Devon District Council agreed and granted permission.

“The proposed permission in principle for the erection of up to nine dwellings in this location is considered on balance to be acceptable, following engagement of the presumption in favour of sustainable development as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework,” said a council spokesperson.

“The site is located outside of a recognised village with a settlement limit but the site is adjacent to the village which provides a limited level of services and facilities and thus, it is suitable for limited residential development.

“It is also considered that a scheme can be developed that would not result in a significant or substantial harm to the character and appearance of the area, subject to sensitive design and appropriate landscaping.”

Thelbridge Parish Council supported the application. Of the eight people who wrote to the council about the application, five objected and three stayed neutral.

Molly Mayes, objecting, said: “The new access is onto the bend in the road.

“Surely this is categorically unsafe! Motorists speeding through the village is a well known problem and evidenced by the community speed watch group who have been petitioning for traffic calming measures but have not been successful.

“We moved to the village to enjoy a quieter lifestyle however, this is now being eroded with recent development along this road and now this proposal for additional housing, and no additional facilities are being provided for the benefit of the community.

“Nine additional family sized houses, could mean 50+ additional people in the village with no additional facilities and no access to any additional local healthcare, schools or other essential amenities.”

David Barrow, neutral, said: “Before approving more development, the council should consider whether additional homes are genuinely required in Nomansland, as several properties in the area remain unsold.”

And Clive Stoneman, objecting, said: “There is no infrastructure planned to accommodate a [sic] increase for the sewage, water, internet, mains gas, schools, public transport and road junctions and a calming system in place of which is needed as the traffic flow through Nomansland the speeds are like a Grand Prix race track.”

You can see the application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 25/01580/PIP.