PLANNING permission is being sought to establish the design and layout of nine houses to be built on farmland in Nomansland.

The principle of development in the field just east of Nomansland Cricket Club was approved in April, so this stage only concerns what the new homes will look like, how they will be laid out and other particulars.

The new homes would be accessed from the B3137. Five would have three bedrooms each, and four four bedrooms each.

They would have natural slate roofs with solar panels, timber cladding and white/ cream render walls, grey aluminium windows and doors.

Each three-bed home would have two parking spaces and a single garage and each four-bed home would have three parking spaces and a double garage. All plots would have electric vehicle charging points.

The principle of development was approved earlier this year. 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 at the time.

“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.

You can see the technical details application on Mid Devon District Council’s website under reference 26/01255/TDC.

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

You can see the approved permission in principle application under reference 25/01580/PIP.