PLANNING permission is being sought for three self-build housing plots in Lapford. 

Ken and Dana Harrison want “outline” permission for three homes, which would be either one-and-a-half or two storeys tall and have four or more bedrooms each, on land they own off Eastington Lane. 

If the plans are approved, houses would be allowed to be built on the land in principle, though further permission from Mid Devon District Council would be needed to build them. 

Mr Harrison previously applied for outline permission for 14 homes (four open-market, eight affordable and two self-build) in the same place, but the plans were rejected last year and dismissed at appeal in May. 

The three self-build plots would be located across the road from Lapford Congregational Church, roughly behind the Parkhill, Highlands and Trelawney homes. 

They would be accessed by a new road with pavement leading off Eastington Lane adjacent to the Sandhurst property. 

The location was chosen “to have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape”, planning documents say, with “vehicle parking and turning and a generous amount of garden curtilage” proposed. 

There are four objections to the plans at the time of writing. 

“The site of this proposed development is outside the approved settlement boundary (2013-2033), and therefore conflicts with the Local Plan,” Carolyn Ward of Park Meadow Close in the village said. 

“I do not believe this proposal offers anything by way of exceptional benefit to the community to warrant permission being granted outside of the agreed settlement boundary. 

"Of significant concern is the section of lane where Eastington Lane meets Orchard Cross.  

“This is an area where accidents and congestion (particularly at school times) are already an issue and any increase in traffic, particularly the heavy machinery and delivery vehicles which will be involved in the development of this site, will only add to this. 

“I am concerned that any planning approval for this site has the potential to lead to further development.  

“Whilst I am in no way averse to an increase in suitable, preferably low-cost, housing in the village, this specific site is totally unsuitable.” 

Sandra Robinson of Hillside Terrace said: “I object to this on the basis there are so may [sic] young families desperate for affordable homes in the area. 

“Four-bedroomed self-build homes are not affordable and not what is needed for our young families.  

“Build several two- and three-bedroomed, environmentally affordable homes instead!” 

Peter Rice of Ambrosia Close said: “The single-track road leading to and from the property in question cannot handle any more traffic.  

“It has a 90-degree blind corner 50 yards before the property and the primary school 25 yards the other side of it with no pedestrian path most of the way along it.  

“Heavy building traffic is going to cause a major risk to the children that walk and ride bikes or scooters to school.” 

You can see the application on the Mid Devon District Council website under reference 24/01074/OUT. 

To see more public notices and planning applications, visit: publicnoticeportal.uk.