Developers lodge Fremington Army Camp appeal

An appeal has been lodged against rejected plans to build 277 homes at a former army site in Fremington, near Barnstaple

The application for Fremington Army Camp was refused by North Devon Council's Planning Committee last December on the grounds of the restricted width of the Military Road access, lack of a secondary access, inadequate pavement width and the adverse impact the proposed access arrangements would have on the Fremington conservation area.

The developers have now had their appeal validated by the Planning Inspectorate and the case will go to a public inquiry.

Chair of Planning, Councillor Eric Ley, said: "We are disappointed that the developer has decided to take this action. Councillors thoroughly considered all aspects of the proposed development before reaching a robust decision to refuse the application. However, it will now be down to the Planning Inspectorate to finally decide on the future of the development and the impact on the community."

Local ward member, Councillor Frank Biederman, said: "The developer's agent made it clear before members reached their decision that if the council refused the application, they would appeal against the decision. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the case is going to a public inquiry. As well as going against the members' refusal, it also goes against the strong concerns of local people, who are opposed to the proposal as it stands. They again will have their chance to express those concerns at the inquiry."The public inquiry is expected to last for four days between 16 and 19 April and will be held in the Council Chamber of the Civic Centre in Barnstaple. People can view the related documents online, as well as share their comments. This can be done directly through the Planning Inspectorate HERE. 

The deadline to make comments is Wednesday 27 February.