Salcombe housing development approved

Originally rejected because of small rooms

Plans to build 21 new homes in Salcombe, which were delayed because of concerns some rooms were too small, have now been approved after the developer agreed to make changes.  

The development on land at West End Garage, Main Road, Salcombe was originally discussed by South Hams councillors in June but during the debate it was felt the proposed development was “only just good enough” on a number of matters including the size of rooms in an apartment building, some garden sizes and the level of renewable energy provided.

After discussions with ward members, a town council representative and the head of development management, the applicant, Park Green (South West) Ltd., amended the plans. 

Ground floor 1 bedroom apartment units will now have a floor area of 52.2sqm rather than the previously planned 50sqm. 

Other changes include:

• Ground Floor (2 Bed): 72.6sqm (Previously 70sqm) 
• First Floor (1 Bed): 58sqm (Previously 51sqm)
• First Floor (2 Bed): 77sqm (Previously 70sqm)

The applicant has also agreed to add two solar panels to each building giving a total of eight PVs on each dwelling with the exception of the one bed houses. 

Of the 21 houses and flats, seven are set to be “affordable homes” with four designated as social rental properties and the other three offered for shared ownership.

All but one of the 14 open-market homes will be detached and the whole development will be built on a cul de sac arrangement.

Questions were also raised about why there would be no pedestrian crossing on Main Road but the highways officer argued the number of dwellings would leave the crossing under-used and highlighted national guidance which states more accidents occur at formal crossings that are underutilised than at busy ones. 

Councillors asked about the protection of trees on the site, including newly planted ones, and it was agreed efforts would be made to try and guarantee that even young trees were protected.

After accepting the amendments and reassurances, members of South Hams development management committee unanimously approved the application.