Residents issue rally cry to prevent nine new homes in North Devon settlement

People living in Westleigh fear plans for nine new homes will see their ‘population explode by 40%’ and cause serious harm to the historic settlement.

A new campaign group, Hands Off Westleigh Fields, is calling on residents to lodge objections before the deadline this Friday (August 22) to plans by Lighthouse Developers and Saville on behalf of the Christie Estates to develop land next to the village hall.

The campaigners say the addition of up to 37 new residents would increase the quoted population of 100 in the village by almost 40%. The parish of Westleigh itself contains 322 people according to the 2021 census and 144 households as of 2022.

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The application seeks to build two to four bedroom homes, including three ‘affordable’ homes and a public open space area next to the hall.

At a busy meeting in the Village Hall on July 28, residents queried why Westleigh ‘needed’ new housing, as the developer’s agent claimed, when there were houses for sale in the village itself and plenty within a mile radius.

There are also fears the development would be harmful to the community’s Word War One era village hall, as well as ancient hedgerows and the Grade II listed Rock Cottage.

Above: Some residents fear the proposed development will see the closure of Westleigh Village Hall. Credit: Sara Cheesman

Sara Cheesman, who is on the hall committee, said: “If the nine houses are built, then the view will be gone and so will any business for the village hall.

“It will inevitably lead to the closure of an important part of our village. I think it’s outrageous the developers have barely mentioned the hall and the impact the new houses will have to its survival.”

It is understood the plans intend to remove the very old hedgerow and pout in a new road to access the development. Nicki Bennington, who owns Rock Cottage, said: “My family have been the custodians of this incredible home since 1984 and although its upkeep (especially the thatch) can be a very expensive responsibility, the privilege of protecting such a historic treasure is humbling. It is all very upsetting to think they might allow this to happen. The roads are too small, it will ruin the view of the cottage.

“The thought of destroying the ancient hedgerow is appalling as it will destroy our protected view as well as change the historic layout of the conservation area.”

Above: The old hedgerow is under threat from the development and it is claimed the listed Rock Cottage would also suffer. Credit: Sara Cheesman

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Calvin C, a retired teacher, said he was concerned about the narrow village road and the impact of extra traffic, said: “It can only take one vehicle as it is, there is always congestion and regularly vehicles waiting to let others pass, I don’t know how the consultants missed this.

“It is a serious accident waiting to happen, if the construction vehicles are given permission to pass through Westleigh lanes. I walk that lane every day to get to the bus stops and it’s already hazardous, especially when delivery trucks and workers vans come speeding through the village, using it as a short cut. We also have many secondary school and college students that walk the lanes at the start and end of the day.

“Our home has already lost two cats to speeding vans over the years, so for the planners to understate the dangers on the roads is ridiculous and less than honest.

“We urge any interested individuals or groups to submit their objections to planningcomments@northdevon.gov.uk quoting application number 80423 before Friday.”

Agent Oliver Gibbins, on behalf of Christie Devon Estates, had previously said the development will help address the ‘significant shortfall in housing supply’ and meet local housing needs.