OUTLINE planning permission for up to five new dwellings on Westaways land east of Dobles Lane, in Holsworthy, has been permitted by Torridge District Council’s planning department.

The application was submitted on May 31 by Mr Nick May and permission was granted on September 26.

The proposal did receive a number of objections. Mrs Jane Wells, speaking on behalf of Holsworthy Medical Centre, raised concerns about the possible implications of housing on an area used by the Devon Air Ambulance to land. She said: “The medical centre is concerned that the plans do not reflect the actual ownership of the fields — the medical centre owns a strip of land in one of the fields, rather than the applicant.

“We are concerned that these five houses will effectively be a gateway development and that further applications will be submitted to develop more land effectively surrounding the medical centre and limiting the landing opportunities for the air ambulance.”

Chief executive of the North Devon Hospice Mr Stephen Roberts said the development would adversely affect the ‘tranquil nature’ of Holsworthy’s The Long House, which overlooks the site. He said: “The most important point I would make is that two years ago North Devon Hospice established The Long House, which overlooks the proposed site. This was a £500,000 investment into the local community to benefit the local community both in terms of employment as well as care. The entire purpose of The Long House is to provide a tranquil, caring and calming place for outpatients and their loved ones to be supported in. The natural environment and The Long House’s location was selected to achieve this. This development would greatly negatively impact that for our patients and the people we support.”

However, the applicant, Mr May, said he was delighted to have been granted permission and that the housing will be beneficial to five families.

On his behalf a spokesperson from WMW Consultants Ltd (agents) said: “The applicant is delighted with the grant of planning permission for this site, which is set in a particularly desirable location and will — in due course — provide much-needed high quality housing in Holsworthy for five families.”