Mid Devon District Council has won a legal battle, rejecting a major housing development at Hartnoll Farm near Tiverton, ensuring local concerns are addressed.
Tiverton: Mid Devon District Council has successfully defended its decision against a major housing project. The plan was for new homes at Hartnoll Farm, but it faced a long legal battle.
The developer, Waddeton Park Ltd, wanted to expand the business park and build 150 homes. The council said no back in January 2023, worried about local infrastructure and the environment.
After the refusal, Waddeton Park Ltd appealed. A public inquiry happened in September 2023, but the Planning Inspector agreed with the council. The developer then took the case to the High Court, which ordered a second inquiry.
This new inquiry took place from late November to early December 2024. Again, the appeal was rejected, with the Planning Inspector siding with the council’s original decision.
Councillor Steven Keable expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He thanked the planning team for their hard work and noted the costs of defending these appeals fall on local taxpayers.
Local residents and campaigners welcomed the decision. They were concerned about traffic, services, and losing green space. However, some argued the project could have provided needed housing and jobs.
With the appeal dismissed, the development at Hartnoll Farm is effectively halted. The council will continue focusing on sustainable growth that meets community needs. While this plan is off the table, future proposals could still arise.
