Plans have been submitted for a new East Devon development of more than 100 homes, some affordable, on farmland near Rockbeare.
A bid to build up to 140 homes on the edge of a small Devon village has been submitted as a flurry of development hits the area, writes local democracy reporter Bradley Gerrard.
Exeter-based developer Waddeton Park has put the outline proposals in for land south of London Road and near to the small village of Rockbeare.
The site is, however, just opposite the expanding town of Cranbrook, and is also sited relatively close to other parcels of land that have secured planning permission.
The proposed site is near a restaurant on The London Road, near Rockbeare, East Devon.
Image: Google Street View.
Pictured here is the proposed layout of the development.
Image: Clifton Emery Design.
The land is considered agricultural land at present, but with the scale of development in the surrounding area, that may be viewed as acceptable by East Devon District Council’s planning committee, which will have to decide on the scheme.
Even if this plan is approved, though, because it is an outline application, a further application would be needed to confirm the exact number of homes, as well as details such as their design and placement on the site.
Map shows the areas of expansion around the proposed site for up to 140 homes near Rockbeare and Cranbrook.
Image: Waddeton Park.
A developer has submitted plans for up to 140 homes near Rockbeare and Cranbrook.
Image: Waddeton Park.
A spokesperson for Waddeton Park, confirmed the proposals, stating that the homes and an area of green space aimed at mitigating the pressure of new developments had been shaped by “several rounds of formal pre-application engagement” with senior officers at East Devon District Council (EDDC) and that the advice received was “positive”.
“This is a high-quality development that would deliver much needed new homes, including affordable housing, generous amounts of public open space and pedestrian connectivity benefits,” the spokesperson said.
“A detailed green wedge assessment has been undertaken, which concludes that there would be no harm to the function or purpose of the green wedge [open land that separates two conurbations]between Cranbrook and Rockbeare.
“EDDC has a significant housing land supply shortfall and the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies, which means that well thought out schemes in sensible locations should be approved.”
Documents from the developer state that the location is “a suitable location” given the development in the area.
“The proposal for up to 140 dwellings responds to identified housing needs and represents an efficient and sustainable use of the site,” a planning document noted.
“Land west of [nearby]Gribble Lane has outline consent for up to 180 dwellings. Further to the east, the land forms part of the Cranbrook expansion area.
“The Grange, an outline application for up to 450 dwellings, has been submitted and awaits decision. To the north east of the site, the Cobdens and Treasbeare expansion areas have had outline planning applications approved.”
Access to the site is near to the existing Dragon Inn Chinese restaurant, which is on the northern boundary of the site.
The developer added that its proximity to Cranbrook means “a wide range of facilities and services, including primary and secondary schools, employment areas, a railway station, local retail provision, healthcare facilities and an evolving town centre” would be easily accessible for residents within its new homes.
“The site’s proximity to Cranbrook enables future residents to benefit from these established and planned facilities, supporting sustainable patterns of movement and reinforcing the role of the area as a key location for growth within East Devon,” it added.
“The A30 lies approximately 1.7 km to the south, while Exeter Airport is positioned around 1.5 km to the south-west.”
The development looks likely to include 10 apartments, 37 two-bed homes, 59 three-bed homes and 34 four-bed homes, some of which will be affordable. But the exact numbers would be confirmed in a subsequent full planning application if the outline one is approved.
It is not yet known when the plans will go before the planning committee at East Devon District Council.
