A PARCEL of land which has been the subject of interest from housing developers since 1974 could see 24 dwellings built on it if permission is granted by Torridge District Council.

An outline planning application seeking approval to build the houses on land at Canal Rise, Bridgerule, Holsworthy was submitted by Ms Dinner.

Seven of the dwellings would be allocated as affordable housing if the planning application is approved.

Applications to build on the land were refused in 1974, 1980, 1981 and 1987 while a now lapsed outline planning application for up to nine dwellings on the land has long lapsed due to not being undertaken within the mandatory three year period after the application had been approved.

An application to replace the lapsed permission with nine dwellings in 2020 was withdrawn.

In a statement on behalf of the applicant, the planning agent told Torridge District Council: “The proposals would deliver a mix of one-bedroom flats and two and three-bedroom dwellings, including seven affordable homes, together with associated infrastructure, landscaping and open space.

“The site extends to approximately 1.28 hectares and is currently permanent pasture. A former section of the historic Bude Canal runs east to west across the site and informs the landscape-led master planning approach.

“The development follows a previous outline approval on part of the land (Ref. 1/0624/2017/OUT) and positive pre-application engagement with Torridge District Council.

“The site lies on the western side of Bridgerule, a village with a primary school, public house, places of worship, community hall and local services. Bridgerule is considered a sustainable rural location, well placed between Holsworthy and Bude, and served by regular bus routes and national cycle networks. The land is Grade 5 agricultural pasture enclosed by traditional Devon hedgebanks.

“The village has no conservation area and a limited number of designated heritage assets. Adjacent development at Canal Rise and Southfields comprises predominantly two-storey and single-storey dwellings. The former Bude Canal corridor is an important distinguishable landscape feature and is retained as part of the green infrastructure network.”

However, residents have objected to the application.

Mr South said he had concerns relating to the impact that the development, in his view, would have on the highways in the area, which he said were mostly single track roads with no footpath.

He added: “I am not in favour and object to this new entrance being built to facilitate the development for the above reasons notwithstanding the character and appearance of the immediate area which will be lost, the noise, impact from the development via this access, lack of street lighting and increased traffic and very importantly pedestrian safety.”

Mr Steel aired a number of concerns relating to the impact he felt the development would have on the management of flooding in the area and developing near part of the old Bude canal in addition to overlooking, housing density and road safety, points which Christine Gee agreed with.

The plans can be viewed in their entirety on the Torridge District Council planning portal using reference 1/0938/2025/OUTM.