Plans to build 220 homes in North Devon approved

The council must build 1,330 homes a year to meet the government's housebuilding targets

More than 200 new homes are to be built near Barnstaple, Devon.

Plans to build 220 properties on 27 acres (11 hectares) of agricultural land at Old Bideford Road, Fremington, was submitted by Hallam Land and accepted by North Devon Council.

Concerns about the impact on infrastructure were raised but the council's planning committee approved the application after being told the council did not have enough sites for housing.

The council must build 1,330 homes a year across North Devon and Torridge to meet the government's housebuilding targets.

Bus services

Developers have also proposed work to improve connectivity with Roundswell Business Park, Tews Lane Playing Fields and Roundswell Primary School, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

They have also offered to put more than £1.5m into community facilities, including for education, healthcare, sport and recreation.

The cash will also pay to reintroduce a half-hourly 19 bus service on Saturdays.

Councillor Frank Biederman, who represents the Fremington ward, voiced concerns over the plans, stating the council should "build communities not just houses".

He added: "The government have set these targets for homes, which, to my mind are just not sustainable.

"We don't have the infrastructure to cope, really."

In response, a spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "We have inherited the worst housing crisis in living memory and all areas, including North Devon, must play their part as we deliver one-and-a-half million homes as part of our Plan for Change."