Nine homes proposed in small North Devon “village” as part of new development

A development which could increase the number of homes in a rural part of North Devon by nearly ten per cent is being proposed to North Devon Council.

The application for nine properties at Westleigh, ranging from two-bed to four-bed, includes three “affordable” homes and a public open space area adjacent to the village hall.

Westleigh only has around 100 residents and is not identified as a village, but it does have a village hall, a pub and a church, meaning that “appropriately located, modest scale” development can be built there under council policy to meet local need.

Planning documents say that the layout of the site has been designed to provide “spacious plots with extensive landscaping”, particularly on the northern and western edges of the site.

The plans were subject to a public consultation last year and feedback was taken on board.

A review of the existing trees on the site identified that none were suitable for roosting bats, but there were 10 species of bat recorded as flying within the area. As such, a series of mitigation measures have been recommended including hedges, foraging areas, roosting opportunities and appropriate lighting.

A heritage report says the proposal will result in a “perceptible change to the building environment” in proximity to Rock Cottage, a grade II listed building located adjacent to the proposed access point, but “not in a way which affects the architectural or setting interest of the building”.

Surface water drainage will be dealt with on site.

The development will help address the significant shortfall in housing supply and meet local housing needs, said agent Oliver Gibbins on behalf of the Christie Devon Estate.

A decision will be made on the application by North Devon Council at a later date.