OUTLINE planning is being sought for a residential development of up to 170 dwellings to be considered on land at North Road, Holsworthy.

Hallam Land Management Limited submitted the application on April 13. A decision is yet to be made.

The site will cover an area of 8.4 hectares and hopes to provide 170 dwellings with improved access and public open space.

However, some locals have raised concerns as to whether more housing is needed in the Holsworthy area and the implications of an increase in population.

One member of the public said the planning application looks to have site access from Dobles Lane. They raised concerns that this could cause issues, ‘especially since Dobles Lane already has a high volume of traffic for its size during normal working hours, and also it is weight restricted to 7.5 tons, likely to be breached by works vehicles’.

Other comments raised issues such as noise and the impact on the environment, as well as the need for more school facilities to cope with the increased number of families with children, as primary schools in the local area are already at capacity and would struggle to provide places for an increased number of pupils.

A member of Devon County Council’s children’s services and planning, transport and environment team stated that the council would look for contributions towards education if the dwellings were erected. They wrote: “After discounting the affordable dwellings the proposed 119 family-type dwellings will generate an additional 29.75 primary pupils and 17.85 secondary pupils.

“Devon County Council will seek a contribution towards additional education infrastructure at the local primary school that serve the address of the proposed development.

“The local primary school currently has capacity for ten pupils and therefore DCC will request for an education contribution towards the remaining 19.75 primary pupils expected to be generated by this development.

“The primary contribution sought is £269,627 (based on the current DfE extension rate per pupil of £13,652) which will be used to provide education facilities in the Holsworthy area.”

Andrew Ross, director of agents Turley, submitted the outline planning permission on behalf of Hallam Land Management Ltd.

In his application Mr Ross said: “The proposed development at North Road, Holsworthy represents a significant opportunity to deliver development that contributes to meeting the needs and demands of local communities. This has been clearly identified in the emerging North Devon and Torridge Local Plan where the site is allocated under Policies HOL05 and HOL06.

“The delivery of new housing has various direct and indirect economic benefits which will also help to stimulate and maintain economic activity and growth in the local area, which is a substantial benefit of the application proposal.”

He added: “A suitable package of infrastructure, recreation and other contributions will be agreed with the council to ensure that the proposals are sustainable and meet relevant planning policy requirements, having regard to the overall viability and deliverability of the scheme.”

A decision has not been made and the application is under consideration.