Plans have been submitted for 150 new homes in Tiverton alongside a major urban expansion to the east of the Devon town.
Land investment firm Waddeton Park has put in an outline planning application for a proposed mixed-use development by the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (EUE) scheme on former farmland between Tiverton and nearby Halberton.
If approved, the proposals could see an extension to an existing business park, Hartnoll Business Centre off Post Hill road, as well as the construction of up to 150 residences and associated infrastructure, as well as green recreational space.
In its planning statement, Exeter-based Waddeton Park said the residential aspect of the development could consist of a range of mainly two-storey housing types, with the potential for some two-and-half storey housing by an adjoining link road.
It added that building heights within the proposed employment area would be addressed at a later reserved matters stage of the application.
The firm said the project would offer an opportunity for a new road link to be delivered from the eastern boundary of the EUE through the site and onto Post Hill road, in order to create a “new gateway from the east” into Tiverton.
It went on to suggest that the new road link would help bring forward the development of the second phase of the EUE and assist in the delivery of a more comprehensive bus service network.
It also argued that proposed pedestrian and cycle access to the site along its western boundary would help to provide better linkage for both residents and workers from the business centre.
Waddeton Park said: “There is a clear and pressing need for employment development of this nature to be to be brought forward at the earliest opportunity to meet identified demands.
“The proposal represents a unique opportunity to meet these needs at a sustainable location, in a sustainable manner.
“The proposal would make a strong contribution towards Mid Devon’s climate change and carbon reduction objectives.
“By delivering a section of the link road that will enable the EUE to be served via a ‘through route’ bus service, and delivering this section of link road to the boundary of the EUE this proposal will facilitate the early and sustainable delivery of the EUE.
“There are no significant impacts which would outweigh the clear social, economic, and environmental benefits of the development.”
Among the sustainability features listed in its planning statement, Waddeton Park suggested the use of an existing nearby anaerobic digestor system as a clean renewable energy source to heat and power the scheme's proposed employment buildings.
The layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the site would be considered in a later part of the planning process, if advanced by Mid-Devon District Council.
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