101-home scheme granted despite local opposition

INFRASTRUCTURE and environmental concerns of more than 700 residents have failed to stop a controversial scheme for 101 homes at Fremington being approved.

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter @DevonLiveNews

North Devon Council's planning committee, which is under pressure to increase the number of housing developments in the district to meet new government targets, has given the go-ahead for the scheme by Pearce Construction for land off Chilpark.

A previous application for the agricultural land, which is outside the development boundary, was withdrawn in 2023 and this was an amended plan to include 20,000 square metres of public open space which would deliver biodiversity benefits, said planning officers.

The homes will be located next to the existing Chilpark development and surrounded by existing woodland. Thirty properties will be classified "affordable"; a mix of social and low cost open market housing.

A petition of 90 names against the plans was submitted to the council along with 736 letters of representation.

At the planning meeting at Barnstaple Rugby Club last Wednesday, a number of people spoke for and against the development.