Plans for 40 new homes for locals on outskirts of South Molton

A community led housing scheme that would provide nearly a third of the shortfall of homes needed in South Molton has been submitted for planning approval.

Forty homes are being proposed by the Aster Group which will all be for social rent on land off Nadder Lane.

There is currently a shortfall of 150 homes in South Molton, according to a North Devon Council housing statement.

Eighty per cent of the affordable housing need in North Devon is for social or affordable rented accommodation not intermediate schemes such as shared ownership, it says.

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The plans have been subject to two pre application enquiries to North Devon Council where support has been indicated by planning officers in principle for residential development and affordable housing on this 1.82 hectare site on the edge of South Molton, half of which has been identified as land which can be devloped.

In July 2025, 110 people responded to a public consultation where overall support was strong for the plan, said agents for the applicants Trewin Design Architects.

Although respondents did have some concerns over potential anti-social behaviour and lack of ongoing management, infrastructure pressure such as limited school places, road capacity and community services and discomfort over the scale of development.

The applicants have increased the number of family-sized units with three to five beds and are making rents sensitive to local wages with affordability benchmarked against average wage of £20,000 a year, in response to other concerns. Median earnings in North Devon are 20 per cent below the national average.

Access to the development will be via a new junction from the existing road to the south of the site.

The development of one, two, three and four bed homes will incorporate renewable energy technologies - including air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery

A dedicated 450 square metre area has been allocated for children’s recreational play, a 950 m² shared recreational space is proposed for informal play, exercise, and social activity and this is supported by the 110 m² orchard and 110 m² allotment.

All affordable homes are expected to be made available in line with North Devon Council’s allocation policies, with priority given to those in demonstrable housing need and with a local connection to South Molton or the surrounding rural parishes.

Above: How the proposed development for 40 homes at Nadder Lane could look. Credit: Trewin Design Architects

Trewin Design Architects said: “The consultation demonstrates a strong mandate for the proposed community land trust development, particularly from long-term residents who face increasing challenges in securing local, affordable housing.

“The community’s response highlights both the demand for locally controlled, affordable homes and the importance of ongoing management and stewardship to ensure lasting success.

“Concerns raised—particularly by residents adjacent to the site—have been carefully reviewed, with steps taken to address layout, design quality, and tenancy oversight. The scheme continues to evolve in response to community needs and will remain rooted in principles of affordability, sustainability, and community ownership.”

North Devon Council will make a decision on the application at a future date.

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