Animal rescue centre to be turned into homes

Mid Devon District Councillors have overruled objections to plans for homes in Bickleigh

A former animal rescue centre in Devon will be turned into eight homes, Mid Devon District Council has confirmed.

It comes after planners overrode recommendations for Chilton Gate Kennels in Bickleigh not to be converted into living accommodation.

Concerns raised by planning officers suggested the development would not "positively contribute to the area’s rural character".

But Upper Yeo & Taw councillor Natalia Letch said: "I found it very difficult to find the negative part in this report."

She added: "There is no change to the scale or massing of the site and therefore it is not expected that there will be an increased harm to the character of the area."

A meeting held by the district council heard neighbours supported the application and nobody objected.

A spokesperson for the applicant said he was "not quite sure why officers had taken a negative view" about the appearance of the buildings.

He added that the application abided by most of the criteria relating to conversion of rural buildings and so felt it should be recommended for approval.

Disrepair

Cadbury councillor Rhys Roberts, whose ward the application sits in, said he had been invited to the site by the developer, Press Properties, after they expressed "frustrations" about their discussions with planning officers.

He acknowledged the position officers had taken but added that he too was left with a "sense of frustration" as the plan complied with planning policies in almost all areas.

Letch said she felt the site would simply head into "disrepair" if undeveloped and recommended the scheme be approved.

Ten members of the planning committee voted in favour of the scheme but added a condition that the developer should contribute towards funding school transport in the area.