A BID to turn a business premises into six dwellings in Bridgerule has been met with cautious approval from the parish council.

Short and Abbott Ltd are seeking to build six dwellings on their premises at Bridgerule (1/0702/2026/OUT). in tandem with the conversion of agricultural land nearby to serve as their new premises.

They said of the housing development: “This application is made in outline form for up to 6 dwellings, the granting of permission would likely result in there being an on site affordable unit, together with offsite contributions sought. With regards to the density of the scheme proposed, it is first important to consider the context of the surrounding land use and nature of existing development near the subject site.”

“The application is well considered not just by virtue of making best use of previously developed land, but responds to the area in which it is proposed. In order to develop the site, no alterations need be applied to the sites boundaries, the existing site access will be maintained which provides a safe and suitable means for access and egress.”

Pyworthy Parish Council told Torridge District Council: “The Parish council has no objections to the application, but wish to make the following comments; The site is situated on Mill Road, which is quite narrow and it would be beneficial if all construction vehicles would be parked on site, rather than on the road adjacent to the entrance, to assist with passing traffic.

“Access to the proposed site is via a concrete bridge over the stream and any traffic or vehicles entering or leaving the site would be entering or leaving into a narrow road which is currently subject to the national speed limit of 60mph. The current existing 20mph zone is situated further along the road and does not include the proposed site. The parish council have applied to DCC for an extension to the 20mph zone, unsuccessfully.

“A further extension of the 20mph area would improve road safety for all, approaching the site and the village. They would therefore like to request that if any S106 money should be become available in future, the money be spent on traffic calming measures in Bridgerule.”

Devon County Council’s highways team said: “Although I have further comments to make on this application, I believe the issue of the access need to be addressed in the first instance. In terms of visibility splays, in both cases (west and east) the ‘x’ axis of 2.4 metres is acceptable.

“Likewise, the ‘y’ axis measurements of 46 metres are also acceptable. However, with regards to the western sight line, this needs to be measured to the nearside edge of carriageway, rather than the offside edge, which it presently is. The submitted drawing needs to be amended accordingly. As noted above, once this has been undertaken, I shall add my final comments and offer Conditions. In the meantime, I await this information.”

The plans (1/0699/2026/OUT). for the change of use of agricultural land to serve as the new premises has been met with approval from Pyworthy Parish Council with both applications yet to be decided by Torridge District Council.

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