The former army camp site in Fremington.

The application for 277 new homes was rejected by North Devon Council in December.

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AN APPEAL has been lodged against rejected plans to build 277 new homes at a former army site in Fremington.

The application for Fremington Army Camp was refused by North Devon Council’s planning committee on December 5, 2012.

The decision was made on the grounds of the restricted width of the Military Road access, inadequate pavement width, lack of secondary access and the adverse impact it would have on the Fremington conservation area.

The appeal has been validated by the planning inspectorate and the case will now go to a public inquiry, expected to last for four days between April 16 and 19.

“We are disappointed that the developer has decided to take this action,” said Councillor Eric Ley, chairman of the planning committee.

“Councillors thoroughly considered all aspects of the proposed development before reaching a robust decision to refuse the application.

“However, it will now be down to the planning inspectorate to finally decide on the future of the development and the impact on the community.”

Local ward member, Councillor Frank Biederman, added: “The developer’s agent made it clear before members reached their decision that if the council refused the application, they would appeal against the decision.

“Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the case is going to a public inquiry.

“As well as going against the members’ refusal, it also goes against the strong concerns of local people, who are opposed to the proposal as it stands.

“They again will have their chance to express those concerns at the inquiry.”

Deputy leader Cllr Rodney Cann said: “It’s all about highways, highway, highways. There is very little opposition to the development of the camp itself; the problem is with the access and its unsuitable impact on traffic in the village.”

Members of the public can view the documents related to the inquiry at the Council Chamber or the Civic Centre in Barnstaple

You can also click the link in the top right of the page to view the documents, and any comments must be made by February 27.