CONCERNS have been raised over amended plans for the appearance, landscaping and layout of a proposed 175 home development near to Trewyn Road in Holsworthy.

Westcountry Land and Homes, the owner of the site, had previously obtained reserved planning permission for the development, which was set to be constructed by Persimmon Homes for the scheme, which would include 59 ‘affordable’ dwellings.

It has since been confirmed that the developer has since withdrawn from the scheme, meaning that the designs which had been previously used would have to be revised.

The applicant told Torridge District Council: “The applicant of the application, Persimmon Homes, are no longer proceeding with the development. As a result, the approved house types, which are subject to copyright, cannot be implemented by another developer.

“This application seeks to amend the approved designs, facilitating the delivery of much-needed housing on a stalled site and ensuring the scheme can be brought forward without further delay”

However, the amended plans have been met with concern from residents and Holsworthy town councillors.

Holsworthy Town Council responded to the consultation airing its concerns, stating: “The council is concerned that the design is rushed and does not reflect the current eclectic design of the town. The design is monochrome with rendered boxes on a vast scale that are alien to the agricultural/rural/town area. There is no justification in the design statement for the design, Holsworthy Town Council would like more details.

In response, the developer’s planning agent responded to Holsworthy Town Council by stating: “In respect of the town council’s comments regarding the design we would seek to highlight that the S73 design now proposed is consistent with the approved Persimmon design but represents a marked improvement and encapsulates the move towards net carbon zero homes. It is also considered that the proposed palette of materials and finishes are an improvement.”