A RESERVED matters application for the amended design of 195 homes on land in Holsworthy has been approved by Torridge District Council despite concerns from residents and the town council.

Westcountry Land and Homes, the owner of the site, had previously obtained reserved planning permission for the development, which was set to be constructed by Persimmon Homes for the scheme, which would include 59 ‘affordable’ dwellings.

The plans would also include community amenities, involving a community orchard, allotments, a BMX track and equipped play spaces in addition to measures to improve the biodiversity of the site such as provision for nesting birds and bats.

It has since been confirmed that the developer has since withdrawn from the scheme, meaning that the designs which had been previously used would have to be revised, leading to the renewed reserved matters application.

A reserved matters planning application covers any matters which were not subject to an outline planning permission – such as the design or layout of a development.

Typically, planning applications can either be a ‘full planning permission’, where exact details of an application are submitted to the planning authority, in this instance Torridge District Council, or be in a format comprising of the two parts namely outline planning permission with some or all matters reserved, and a reserved matters application which covers those extant matters. Both sections are required to be considered ‘full’ permission.

Concerns had been raised by Holsworthy Town Council that the amended designs appeared to be ‘rushed’ and were not in keeping with the area. In response to the planning consultation, the council said: “The council is concerned that the design is rushed and does not reflect the current eclectic design of the town.

“The design is monochrome with rendered boxes on a vast scale that are alien to the agricultural/rural/town area. There is no justification in the design statement for the design, HTC (Holsworthy Town Council) would like more details.

“HTC recalls that this estate road was supposed to be the route HGVs from industrial estate were to use as an alternative to Trewyn Road, as this road is very narrow and unsuitable for large numbers of HGVs at the town end. The road is not built but the route out of the industrial estate will soon be in use.

“During the site visit with the previous owner, concern about the estate junction at Bude Road being very close to the start on the 30mph with vehicle traffic speeding and HGVs turning in and out of the estate. It was suggested that a 40mph buffer zone up towards Rydon Inn would be a good option.”

However it was adjudged by the district council’s planning officer that the proposals were suitable, concluding in approval: “The proposed amended development is considered to be in keeping with the surrounding landscape and character and would not result in an adverse impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers, protected species on the site or surrounding designated sites. Sufficient provision is considered to be made in terms of drainage and parking arrangements.”