Outcry as Tiverton housing scheme near canal gets approval at appeal

A CONTROVERSIAL plan for up to 100 homes in Mid Devon on land at a historic house has been approved by a government planning inspector in spite of a wave of opposition.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter

The proposal for Tidcombe Hall, Tiverton, was rejected for a second time by Mid Devon District Council's planning committee last year, with the plan attracting around 170 letters of objection.

Opponents at the time urged the committee to throw out the proposal because of fears about its impact on the nearby Grand Western Canal, concerns it could increase flood risk and increased traffic along Tidcombe Lane.

But the firm behind the scheme, Tidcombe Holdings, lodged an appeal in January, saying the council couldn't meet government planning targets relating to the number of developable sites in the district.

The Planning Inspectorate scrutinised the proposal over a two-week period in May and June, and has now accepted the appeal, meaning outline planning permission is approved.

When the district council refused the proposals, it claimed it could show the required level of housing land supply for the next five years, but the developer suggested it could prove otherwise.

Council leader Luke Taylor (Liberal Democrat, Bradninch), criticised a recent government change to housing targets, which he claimed had significantly dented the council's argument in the appeal.

While Mid Devon is just shy of a five-year housing supply now, the hike in its annual housing target from 346 to 571 substantially changes that.

"This devastating decision is a direct consequence of the recent adjustment to housing targets," Cllr Taylor said.