A PLAN for 20 new homes in Lifton was given the thumbs down by West Devon Borough councillors at a meeting last week.

Members of West Devon Borough Council’s planning and licensing committee went against the officer’s recommendation and refused the application for the development off North Road in Lifton, on the grounds of visual impact and pedestrian safety.

The application for up to 20 residential dwellings, with car parking, associated landscaping and infrastructure, public open space and an accessible natural green space, had received 25 letters of objection from residents, including one from Lifton Parish Council.

During the meeting council member for the Tamarside ward which includes Lifton, Cllr Chris Edmonds, spoke against the application.

Mr Edmonds, who is not a member of the planning committee, said the rural setting of the proposed site, which was between Lifton and Tinhay raised the issue of visual impact — as the two settlements would appear to come together into one.

‘The houses would also have a negative impact on the rural character of the area and therefore I do not see this as a sustainable development,’ he said.

Brian Moore, vice-chairman of Lifton Parish Council, added: ‘Representations about this development show great concern for two major issues, the traffic in North Road and the potential flooding.

‘North Tawton residents who use the road say in no uncertain terms that any increase in traffic movement in North Road is unacceptable.

‘Lifton has a big problem with through traffic, both in terms of volume and speed, which makes emerging from either of the junctions dangerous. More traffic movements will increase the danger and the likelihood of accidents.

‘Flood mitigation measures including an attenuation pond are proposed in the plans, but the fear is that the underlying geology, increasing rainfall driven by climate change and the inescapable force of gravity means that the low lying properties in Tinhay will still not be free of the threat of flooding.

‘If this development is allowed to proceed, we will be left with a development of 20 houses on a totally unsuitable site, increased congestion and no guarantee that there will not be further flooding, and home owners faced with unafforable service charge bills.

Wendy Ormbsy, senior officer in development management at South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, said: ‘The issue of traffic has been looked at and the increased amount of traffic on the road is not a significant reason for refusal as there has been no objection raised by Devon County Highways.

She added that the drainage professionals from Devon County Council had also confirmed that the development of the site would not increase flood risks due to drainage facilities which would be fitted in the site.

Aaron Smith, the agent on behalf of the planning applicant, said that the application delivered a range of social, economic and environmental benefits.

He expressed that the proposed natural green space would enhance the ecological benefit of this site and that the application offered 40% affordable housing which would be of benefit to the local community.

Although these points were considered by members of the borough council, the overall concerns regarding visual impact and lack of pedestrian access prevailed.

WDBC Cllr John Hocking said: ‘North Road is very narrow, with lots of cars parked on both sides. I am very concerned that there is no sufficient pedestrian access from the proposed site.’

Cllr Bob Baldwin commented: ‘While this plan does have merit, there are issues. There is the proposed green space which still permits a degree of separation between the two villages, Tinhay and Lifton. However, I am not happy with the lack of safe pathway from the site to the village’s facilities.’

Cllr Terry Pearce said: ‘The planning application does not comply with the village’s emerging neighbourhood plan and the visual aspect of this development would have an impact on the peaceful living of surrounding residents.’

The borough council voted to refuse the application, six votes to three, due to the negative visual impact to rural characteristics and the lack of safe walking route from the proposed site to village facilities.