PLANNING permission has been given to allow an old barn on the southern edge of Morchard Bishop to be converted into a self-build two-bedroom home.

Mr S Jeffery’s approved designs would see the single-storey building stay practically the same “with little or no change to the overall scale and appearance”, except for new solar panels on the roof and some more windows.

The new home would measure 58 square metres. It would have parking space for two cars and two bicycles.

It would be accessed from Polson Hill instead of Broadgate Lane as first proposed.

“The conversion of the redundant agricultural building to one self-build residential dwelling and alterations to an existing access is considered to be acceptable, satisfactorily retaining the original character and appearance of the existing building and its surroundings,” said a Mid Devon District Council spokesperson, approving the plans.

“Furthermore, there will be no unacceptable impact on neighbouring living conditions, no adverse highway matters or flood risk arising as a result of the development.

“The scheme would also adequately mitigate and provide enhancement to ensure no adverse harm to protected species.”

Morchard Bishop Parish Council objected to the initial plans with Broadgate Lane as the access point and again to the updated Polson Hill access plans.

“Even with the increased visibility splay (which would mean ripping out established hedges) egress and access to the site would be very tight bearing in mind that the owners of the houses on Polson Hill had no alternative other than to park on the road opposite the proposed access,” said a parish council spokesperson.

“Comment was also passed about the speed of cars coming down Polson Hill as they exited the village making it a hazard.

“The parish council concluded that safety and access to the site directly from Polson Hill was unfeasible.”

It also noted the land was outside the settlement limit.

Seven members of the public wrote to Mid Devon District Council about the plans. Four objected, while three stayed neutral. Topics raised included highway safety concerns, potential ecological harm, and drainage issues.

You can see the application on the council’s website under reference 26/00397/FULL.

Mr S Jeffery has also recently been granted permission in principle for up to nine self-build homes on the western edge of the village.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

You can see that application on the council’s website under reference 26/00369/PIP.