PC Local Planning

Some ten to twelve years ago there was considerable concern that many of our young people were leaving the village because there was no housing available for them. This would lead to a big drop in the number of future pupils for the school and its almost certain closure which in turn could lead to the closure of the shop and post office and other businesses and the village would cease to be an active, vital community. The principle being - "that which isn't growing is dying".

At the 1999 Annual Parish Meeting (APM) our chairman said that thirty young people had left the village and that more housing was a priority. Something had to be done.

Up to that time the "Local Plan" for Spreyton, drawn up by West Devon Planning Authority had the development line drawn tightly around the village and there was no land available for development.

Discussions with "West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) were started to try to identify land that could be suitable for housing. Various sites were put forward but rejected.

While this was going on the Parish Council was advised by the Community Council of Devon County Council ODCC) that all parishes were being encouraged to carry out a "Village Appraisal". They would help financially and technically to produce the document which, when complete, would give the Parish Council more clout -when lobbying for housing and other things.

In 2000 with much assistance from DCC the appraisal was completed. This document was the result of a comprehensive and detailed survey by questionnaire of every household in the parish. It addressed many topics: education, transport, environment, local businesses, sport and social matters, health and housing.

The response was high: 76% of parishioners completed their questionnaire. On the subject of housing 83% considered more housing was needed. The document was distributed to all households with the information that it would be discussed at the APM on 22^nd March 2000.

At this time the discussions with WDBC Planners were focused on land to the north of Thorn Park on the eastern side of the road leading to Bow. This was the site favoured by the Parish Council. "We advised WDBC that we considered twelve to fifteen houses were required.

The Planners however decided that land on the western side was more suitable. In September 2000 WDBC outlined the proposal for the Local Plan to release 0.8 Ha on that site.

At the March 2001 APM the Chairman announced that the 0.8 Ha site to the north of Meadow Rise was to go on to the first draft of the Local Plan with the second draft being published in the autumn. In tandem with these events West Devon Homes had negotiated for the land to the north of Thorn Park to be used for four Housing Association homes.

May 2002 saw the publication of the second draft of the Local Plan. This included the land to the north of Meadow Rise to be scheduled as suitable for development. Although the Parish Council had proposed twelve to fifteen houses, Central Government policy of that time stated that there should be a minimum density of thirty houses per hectare and that the proposed housing would include a specific requirement for a percentage of affordable homes.

Having been through the process of draft schemes and public consultation the Local Plan incorporating this information was adopted in March 2005. The Planning Office at West Devon Borough Council has given assurances that the community will be consulted when a planning application is submitted.

If you have any matters you wish to have raised at Parish Council meetings please contact a councillor of your choice or our clerk.

Parish Council’s submission to West Devon Borough Council

West Devon Borough Council Midas Homes LTD