Concerns swirl over major Devon homes plan

Barratt Homes has filed a request to approve details for the construction of 200 homes on land north of Tiverton Road in Cullompton.

The application, which follows an outline approval granted in 2017, awaits a decision from Mid Devon District Council.

The reserved matters application focuses on the access, appearance, layout, scale, and landscaping of the development, titled North West Cullompton Phase 1. While the principle of the development has already been established, this stage refines the specific details of how the project will unfold.

According to Barratt Homes, the plans have been designed to align with the previous approvals while incorporating necessary updates and improvements. A covering letter from the company highlights that the new submission builds upon the layout approved under 22/00735/MARM, with amendments including revised house types, positioning, and garage layouts.

The development includes a mix of housing types to cater to diverse needs. Barratt Homes emphasises their commitment to maintaining high standards, with plans addressing modern sustainability and environmental needs, such as a detailed surface water drainage strategy, a waste management plan, and provisions for carbon reduction.

Community feedback has been mixed, with concerns raised by Cullompton Town Council and Halberton Parish Council, highlighting issues around access, amenities, and infrastructure.

Cullompton Town Council has resolved not to support the application, citing several concerns. They include; housing directly opening onto the spine road, a lack of promised access to the allotments and cemetery, insufficient car parking provision, which they argue does not meet the Neighbourhood Plan Policy HS04, the absence of additional sporting facilities and a call to delay further development until the spine road and Eastern Relief Road are fully operational.

“There is housing that appears to open directly onto the spine road, which is not acceptable,” Cullompton Town Council stated in its objection, adding that the lack of cemetery access remains a critical oversight. The council also pointed out that the number of car parking spaces in the revised plan falls short of the requirements, an issue they find particularly problematic.

Halberton Parish Council, while not opposing the development outright, suggested that “disruption to residents be kept to a minimum” and called for improved provisions for cycleways and footpaths. The council highlighted concerns about recent construction projects in the area where access routes had deviated from agreed plans.

Barratt Homes’ design and access statement outlines the developer’s vision for a community-focused environment. The proposal integrates green spaces and aims to support biodiversity through landscaping measures. The inclusion of affordable housing is a notable feature, with designated units designed to meet local housing needs.

Sustainability is a recurring theme in the supporting documents, with commitments to carbon reduction and eco-friendly design. However, Cullompton Town Council has criticised the lack of greywater recycling systems in the plans, questioning how the development will address water supply and wastewater challenges.

Infrastructure remains a contentious point. Cullompton Town Council has urged that no further development should proceed until critical road projects, including the spine road and the Eastern Relief Road, are completed. The council has also raised concerns about the impact of construction activities near the cemetery, requesting that work be paused during funerals.

The application is pending review by MDDC’s planning committee, with input from local councils and stakeholders playing a pivotal role in shaping the final decision. Barratt Homes has expressed a willingness to work with the council and community to address outstanding concerns while highlighting the importance of delivering much-needed housing in the area.