Plans for former care home approved

The former Silver Threads care home has been empty for several years

Plans to turn an empty care home into four properties in north Devon have been approved.

North Devon Council granted permission for the proposals for the former 15-bed Silver Threads residential home in Lyndale Terrace, Instow, to be replaced by a detached property and three flats.

The plans had raised concerns locally about the site being overdeveloped, not enough available parking and a possible flood risk if a culvert became blocked.

The planning committee approved the proposal with an amendment to ensure management of the culvert and obscured glazing that would be installed on some windows to protect neighbours.

Applicant Michelle Lawrence will have to provide £19,000 towards primary and secondary education and £8,000 towards recreational facilities in order to get planning approval, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Among those who objected to the plans were Instow Parish Council, who said it constituted overdevelopment, and 23 local residents.

Planning officers said the properties were well spaced, created clear amenity areas and would enhance the appearance of the building.