Consent granted for Heywood Road development

Ashfield Land has secured planning permission for a masterplanned redevelopment of a site off the A39 in Bideford, North Devon for 200 new homes, helping to meet local housing needs.

Consent – granted at appeal – will bring forward the redevelopment of approximately 9 hectares at Heywood Road for new housing, investment in an existing care home, and the provision of new public open space.

Ashfield Land had applied for permission to Torridge District Council which had refused the application despite an officer recommendation for approval. Reviewing the decision at appeal, however, the Planning Inspector noted the lack of a demonstrable and deliverable five year housing supply and therefore granted permission in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The proposals include comprehensive landscaping and the integration of new homes alongside the existing Northam Lodge care home.

Claire Cope, Director at Ashfield Land, said: “Our proposals for a well-planned and carefully-considered redevelopment of the site will provide 200 new homes, investment in care and the creation of new public open space. We’re pleased that the Inspector has recognised our approach for meeting housing needs within a properly planned and sustainable development.”

Included in the public open space is investment into community play areas and into informal adventure trails within the retained woodland that occupies a significant proportion of the centre of the site.

Ashfield Land was advised on planning by Turley.