Developer apologises after backlash to footpath

Plan to take out woodland withdrawn

A developer has withdrawn plans to remove a woodland area to create a footpath and cycle way in Bideford after more than 250 objections.

Persimmon Homes has apologised to residents after scrapping its proposal to get rid of the woodland buffer zone between Appledore Grove and its new 200-home estate at Clovelly Road to build the four-metre path.

Local councillor David Brenton (Lab, Bideford South) said the company realised “they had a fight on their hands.”

He said the woodland and important wildlife area was “sacrosanct” and was a green screen between two housing estates.

Residents said there were owls and deer in the woodland and were concerned about loss of privacy.

The developer had asked planners to approve the redirection of Abbotsham footpath number 1, which is a public right of way. It says it has now submitted a new application for the path which would be within its development, “minimising habitat loss.”

In February, Torridge District Council granted consent for the homes, including 40 affordable dwellings.

Persimmon said: “Our plans will help meet the area’s housing need, including alleviating pressure on Torridge District Council’s 2,000-strong housing list.

“However, we acknowledge the concerns raised during our recent consultation regarding the footpath diversion at the site. We are actively engaging with the local authority to explore potential alternative routes that will not compromise the development and its biodiversity net gain provision.

“We apologise for the concern this has raised and we will continue to work with Torridge District Council and the local community to find a mutually beneficial and alternative solution.”

The company plans to deliver 1.4 hectares of open space, including parks, sports and recreation grounds, a community orchard, and play spaces for children.

Cllr Brenton said: “The developers had proposed a four-metre footpath right down through the wildlife area. It was big enough to drive an articulated lorry through.

“They got planning permission to build new houses that included this sacrosanct area and were not allowed to infringe it, but they came back for a second bite of the cherry.”

“It annoys me that developers try it on with different tactics to try and circumnavigate their social responsibilities.”

Cllr Simon Inch (Ind, Bideford South) said people had been “very upset” by the application and there had been no consultation with the residents.

“It was so wrong,” he said. “These trees will screen Appledore Grove from the new development; they are protecting the amenity of residents as well as the wildlife. I am pleased Persimmon have withdrawn this application, but I will be keeping a close eye on what they intend to do.”