Planning in North Devon

Land adjacent Goodleigh Primary School

Land west of the primary school, as shown on Policies Map 47, is proposed for community facilities in association with the existing primary school including the provision of small-scale residential development to facilitate its delivery.

Land South of Braunton Road

Land between Braunton Road and the Tarka Trail, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for new or enhanced sport, recreation and leisure facilities where: (a) a detailed flood risk assessment does not raise public safety issues; (b) there is good connectivity to the Tarka Trail for pedestrians and cyclists; and (c) the highway network can accommodate the anticipated levels of traffic generation.

Park Community School and Pilton Academy

(1) Land west of Park Community School, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for the provision of additional secondary education. (2) Land south of Park Community School, (approximately 1 hectare) as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for a new park and change facility. (3) Land at Pilton Academy, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for the provision of additional secondary education.

Land South of Village Hall

(1) Land south of the village hall, as shown on Policies Map 15, is allocated for a mix of community and amenity uses and a limited number of dwellings. (2) The community uses will include: (a) access to the rear of the village hall from South Street; (b) an all weather car park to serve the village hall and village centre for approximately 15 – 20 vehicles located to the east of Atkins House; (c) a pedestrian link to South Street from the new car park and village hall; (d) a public footpath and cycle route from the village hall to Stafford Road; and (e) amenity use of the land south of the village hall. (3) A maximum of three dwellings will be supported, the number of which will be determined through scheme design which must respect the sites location within the Conservation Area and adjacent listed building, The provided housing will: (a) be located to the south of, but outside the curtilage of Atkins House; (b) provide the development identified in (2) (a) to (d) and the transfer of the remaining land within the Policy area to community ownership; and (c) be accessed from the new route to the village hall car park.

Land adjacent Goodleigh Primary School

Land west of the primary school, as shown on Policies Map 47, is proposed for community facilities in association with the existing primary school including the provision of small-scale residential development to facilitate its delivery.

Land South of Community Centre

Land south of the community centre off Little Bickington Lane, as shown on Policies Map 18, is allocated for recreation use to serve the local community and a future primary school.

Land at Little Bickington Lane

A site for a new primary school and associated amenity area is shown on Policies Map 18 at Little Bickington Lane.

Land at Langtree Park

(1) Langtree Park, as shown on Policies Map 52, is reserved for recreation use and will provide: (a) safe pedestrian access from the primary school and Latch Lane; and (b) new children's play facilities.

Land South of Meadow View

Land south of Meadow View, as shown on Policies Map 62 is identified for the provision of additional community facilities including: (a) a new car park to serve the village; (b) a new community / village hall; and (c) an area of public open space including a new equipped play area.

Community Services and Facilities

(1) Development of new, or extensions or improvements to existing community facilities that meet the needs of local communities will be supported within or adjoining defined settlements and Rural Settlements where: (a) it does not harm the character of the area and the amenities of the surrounding uses; (b) it is well related to public transport infrastructure, where possible, and is accessible by walking or cycling; and (c) it can be accessed without generating unacceptable levels of traffic on the local road network and / or reducing highway safety. (2) In areas poorly served by public and community transport, support will be given to innovative schemes to secure local delivery of public services. Delivery of services through the use of mobile services and technology will be encouraged where service improvements result. (3) Development that involves the loss of community services and facilities will not be supported unless there is compelling evidence to demonstrate: (a) the existing use is no longer commercially viable or could not be made commercially viable; or (b) there is alternative local provision that is accessible to the local community by walking or cycling; and in either case (c) the premises are no longer required to meet the needs of the local community. (4) Community initiatives to deliver services and facilities, identified through Parish Plans or equivalent documents, will be supported where they meet demonstrable social or economic needs and contribute to making local communities more sustainable.

North of St John the Baptist Church

(1) Land north of St. John the Baptist Church, as shown on Policies Map 24, is proposed for development to include additional cemetery space. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) the cemetery extension has the capacity to meet future requirements; (b) the cemetery will be served by the pedestrian access through the existing churchyard; (c) a new landscaped eastern boundary; and (d) enhanced landscaping along the northern and western boundaries.

Sports Hub and Football Club

(1) A site of about 2.3 hectares between Alswear Old Road and George Nympton Road, as identified on Policies Map 9, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 60 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) vehicular access primarily from George Nympton Road linking through to the new sports hub to the east; (c) pedestrian and cycle access across the site between the new sports hub and the primary school; (d) structural landscaping along the southern boundary; and (e) contributions towards additional physical, social and green infrastructure within the town. (2) A site of about 9 hectares east of Alswear Old Road, as identified on Policies Map 9, is allocated for a sports hub that: (a) provides a range of new sports pitches; (b) includes a sports pavilion incorporating changing rooms in a single building, which is designed and sited to minimise its landscape impact; (c) provides connections to the existing footpaths along Trigley Lane and through the Sheep Fair Field, and enhancement of biodiversity networks within and around the site; (d) safeguards the dark night sky over Exmoor National Park if flood lighting is provided; and (e) improves the width of Alswear Old Road. (3) The residential development west of Alswear Old Road must not commence until a new sports pitch that meets the needs of South Molton Football Club has been provided as part of the new sports hub.

Design Principles

(1) Good design seeks to guide overall scale, density, massing, height, landscape, layout, materials, access and appearance of new development. It seeks not just to manage land use but support the creation of successful places and respond to the challenges of climate change. Development proposals need to have regard to the following design principles: (a) are appropriate and sympathetic to setting in terms of scale, density, massing, height, layout appearance, fenestration, materials and relationship to buildings and landscape features in the local neighbourhood; (b) reinforce the key characteristics and special qualities of the area in which the development is proposed; (c) are accessible to all, flexible to adaptation and innovative; (d) contribute positively to local distinctiveness, historic environment and sense of place; (e) create inclusive environments that are legible, connected and facilitate the ease of movement and permeability through the site, allowing everyone to easily understand and find their way around; (f) retain and integrate existing landscape features and biodiversity to enhance networks and promote diversity and distinctiveness of the surrounding area; (g) provide public and private spaces that are well designed, safe, attractive and complement the built form, designed to minimise anti-social and criminal behaviour; (h) provide safe and appropriate highway access and incorporate adequate well-integrated car parking, pedestrian and cycle routes and facilities; (i) ensure the amenities of existing and future neighbouring occupiers are safeguarded; (j) incorporate appropriate infrastructure to enable connection to fast ICT networks; (k) optimise the efficient use of land, and provide well-designed adaptable street patterns and minimise functionless open spaces; (l) create and sustain an appropriate mix of uses and support local facilities and transport networks; (m) consider opportunities for public art; and (n) provide effective water management including Sustainable Drainage Systems, water efficiency measures and the reuse of rainwater. (2) All major residential proposals will be expected to be supported by a Building for Life 12 (BfL12) assessment. High quality design should be demonstrated through the minimisation of "amber" and the avoidance of "red" scores.

Shop Front Design and Signage

(1) Development altering existing and proposing new shop frontages will be supported where: (a) the local character and features of traditional shop fronts are retained and enhanced, the local street scene is conserved and they are appropriate to the design and character of the building on which they are installed; (b) shop fronts and fascia signage relate to individual buildings rather than retail frontages as a whole; (c) excessive signage is avoided; and (d) any security shutters are internally mounted. (2) Illumination of shops, businesses and community facilities is only supported where the premises are open during the evening. Where illumination of premises is justified, shop fronts will be illuminated internally and signage illuminated externally using energy efficient lighting systems.

Amenity Considerations

Development will be supported where: (a) it would not significantly harm the amenities of any neighbouring occupiers or uses; and (b) the intended occupants of the proposed development would not be harmed as a result of existing or allocated uses.

Improving the Quality of Development

Development will achieve high quality inclusive and sustainable design to support the creation of successful, vibrant places. Design will be based on a clear process that analyses and responds to the characteristics of the site, its wider context and the surrounding area taking full account of the principles of design found in policy DM04.

Rural Economy

To support the rural economy, new small scale economic development at Rural Settlements and in the Countryside will be supported on the following basis: (a) change of use or conversion of a permanent and soundly constructed building; or (b) sites or buildings adjoining or well related to a defined settlement or a Rural Settlement; or (c) the proposed employment use has a strong functional link to local agriculture, forestry or other existing rural activity; provided that: (d) there is no adverse impact on the living conditions of local residents; (e) the scale of employment is appropriate to the accessibility of the site and the standard of the local highway network; and (f) proposals respect the character and qualities of the landscape and the setting of any affected settlement or protected landscape or historic assets and their settings and include effective mitigation measures to avoid adverse effects or minimise them to acceptable levels.

Farm Diversification

In support of the agricultural sector, proposals for farm diversification schemes will be supported where: (a) the scale of development is justified by the operational needs of the enterprise and will reinforce the viability of the existing farm business; (b) the prospects for the reuse of vacant buildings, underused, or redundant agricultural buildings or their sites have been explored fully and opportunities exhausted; (c) any new buildings are sited close to existing buildings and can be satisfactorily assimilated into the surrounding countryside having regard to form, bulk, design, landform, landscaping, special landscape qualities and character; (d) the development will not detract unreasonably from the amenities of the occupiers of accommodation in the vicinity; and (e) there is no resultant unacceptable increase in traffic on approach roads or detriment to the safety of users of the public highway.

Equine Development

Horse-related facilities and equestrian enterprises in the countryside will be supported where: (a) priority is given to the re-use of existing buildings and where justified new buildings or ancillary development is well related to existing buildings; (b) well integrated, with the surroundings and is of a scale and design so as not to harm the character and landscape of the rural area; (c) the operation is not detrimental to the amenity of nearby residents; and (d) the development is convenient for suitable existing riding areas where necessary access is acceptable without detriment to the safety of users of the public highway.

Roundswell Business Park

(1) Approximately 5.4 hectares of land is allocated for economic development in the following locations within and adjoining Roundswell Business Park, as identified on Policies Map 1: (a) 4 hectares south of Fishleigh Road; and (b) 1.4 hectares north of Brannam Crescent. (2) Approximately 6.9 hectares (gross) of land south of the A39 is identified for a high quality business campus, including approximately 0.8 hectares for a park and change facility, as shown on Policies Map 1, including the following site specific development principles: (a) vehicular access to the B3232 towards Torrington; and (b) strategic structural landscaping along the A39 and the B3232 boundaries.

Seven Brethren

(1) Land at Seven Brethren, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for regeneration and environmental enhancement to deliver new economic development, recreation and leisure uses, including enhanced pedestrian and cycle links along the river frontage between the Longbridge and the iron bridge. (2) Improvements to the highway network and transport interchange facilities at Barnstaple railway station and surrounding area will enhance this gateway to the town and facilitate a more attractive and accessible approach for pedestrians and cyclists towards the town centre. (3) Land north of the civic amenity recycling centre, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified to facilitate provision of new footpath/cycle bridges over the A361 and railway line.

Evans Transport, Two Rivers Industrial Estate

(1) Land at Two Rivers Industrial Estate, (approximately 5 hectares) as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for redevelopment and environmental enhancement to deliver new employment and leisure uses where: (a) a detailed flood risk assessment does not raise public safety issues; (b) a high quality design including a landmark building enhancing this key gateway to the town; (c) green infrastructure and biodiversity networks are enhanced along the western boundary; and (d) vehicular access is from Braunton Road, which provides a link through to a new park and change facility. (2) Land east of the A361, (approximately 1.5 hectares) as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for a park and change facility that includes: (a) vehicular access from Braunton Road; (b) potential for a future road link towards the former Gliddon and Squires site; and (c) good pedestrian and cycle links to the Tarka Trail.

Petroc

Development and provision of new facilities at Petroc, as shown on Policies Map 1, will deliver enhanced educational and training facilities to help raise skill levels, facilitate delivery of a university level resource and opportunities for partnerships with high-tech businesses.

Land Adjoining Football Pitch

(1) Land to the north of Buckland Brewer, as shown on Policies Map 12, is allocated for economic development to include a mix of unit sizes focused on meeting local business needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a focus on economic uses within the B1 Use Class; (b) a high standard of unified design and appearance in view of the location of the site in the countryside that provides an acceptable impact on local heritage assets; and (c) appropriate screening on all boundaries to integrate the development into its countryside setting.

Bideford Port

Land at Bideford Port, as defined on Policies Map 2, will be safeguarded for appropriate port related uses that require a quayside location, subject to the provision of the following: (a) access to The Quay for service and commercial vehicles; and (b) a high standard of design that respects the historic character and appearance of the Quay, the Bideford Conservation Areas and adjoining listed buildings.

Bideford Clovelly Road

Land at Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, extending to approximately 1.2 hectares as defined on Policies Map 2, is allocated for economic development. The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principle: (a) vehicular access to be provided from the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate Road.

Land at Merrifield Cross

(1) Land at Merrifield Cross, as shown on the Policies Map 35, is allocated for economic development, focused on delivering a mix of units to meet local business needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a focus on employment activities in the range of B1, B2 and B8 uses; (b) retention of established screening on the road frontage and enhanced screening on the site's southern boundary; and (c) location, design and screening of premises that ensures the future compatibility with adjoining uses.

Employment Development at Towns, Local Centres and Villages

To support additional job creation in settlements identified by Policy ST06 and Policy ST07, economic development will be supported on: (a) existing and allocated employment land and other suitable sites within development boundaries and the principal built form of Local Centres and Villages without development boundaries; and (b) new employment sites of an appropriate scale to the settlement, adjacent or well related to the development boundary/settlement to meet an identified business need and contribute to the area's economic objectives, where the Council is satisfied that there is an insufficient supply of sites in the area and the development cannot be accommodated within the development boundary/settlement; provided that: (c) the proposal and any associated employment activities can be carried out without undue detriment to residential amenity, public highway users, town centre vitality, landscape character and the environment generally including any buildings or features of designated importance; and (d) the development has an adequate and safe access and does not give rise to excessive or inappropriate traffic and will contribute to the general aim of reducing the need to travel by private car.

Safeguarding Employment Land

In order to maintain a range of suitable and available sites and buildings for employment, non-employment development uses will not be supported on allocated sites or in buildings previously used for employment or in buildings currently used for employment unless: (a) there is sufficient quality and quantity of employment sites available in the local area to provide opportunities for local employment uses; or (b) it can be demonstrated through appropriate marketing that the site no longer provides a realistic prospect for employment uses; or (c) the existing use is causing harm to surrounding uses and the new use will not cause harm for the existing neighbouring uses; and in all cases (d) a sequential test has been applied for redevelopment of the site based on the following order of preference: (i) employment based redevelopment; (ii) mixed use including employment generating redevelopment; (iii) non-employment generating redevelopment.

East of Hatchmoor

(1) A site of approximately 4 hectares, to the east of Hatchmoor Industrial Estate, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for the delivery of economic development that provides a mix of premises reflective of the site and appropriate to enable business start up and expansion. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) provision of an integrated package of landscaping and green infrastructure, including the retention of existing trees and hedgerows where possible, to integrate the development into its setting and mitigate its impact on the wider countryside and surrounding uses; (b) safeguarding of an appropriate vehicular access, extending to the northern boundary, to enable the future delivery of land for economic development to the north of the site; (c) highway access to be achieved through the formation of new junction(s) onto Hatchmoor Road and the provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by development; and (d) provision of bus, pedestrian and cycle connectivity to provide accessible sustainable transport links to the town centre and beyond.

Land at Halwill Industrial Estate

(1) Land at Station Road, as shown on Policies Map 16, is allocated for economic development that includes a mix of unit sizes focused on meeting local business needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a focus on employment premises within the B1, B2 and B8 Use Classes; (b) a high standard of unified and individual design that has regard to the sites prominent location on the approach to the village; (c) retention of existing screening on the road frontage and provision of adequate and appropriate screening on the northern boundary; and (d) location, design, the use and screening of individual premises that provides an acceptable impact on adjoining uses.

Agri-Business Park

(1) Land to the north of the unnamed road linking the A388 and Dobles Lane, extending to about 13.8 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for the provision of a new agri-business park that includes: (a) a livestock market and agri-business facility on an area of about 5 hectares; (b) an associated business park through the provision of about 5 hectares of land for economic development including agriculture-related retail uses; and (c) planting of a community woodland extending to about 3 hectares. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) site to be developed in a comprehensive basis in accordance with the principles, requirements and provisions of the endorsed site development brief; (b) structural landscaping, planting and boundary treatments to deliver an acceptable integration of the site into its countryside location; (c) sustainable transport provision including: (i) new public transport services linking the site to the town centre; and (ii) formation of a new off-site pedestrian link connecting the site to existing footway provision at the junction of Dobles Lane and River Tamar Way; (d) vehicular access through the formation of new junctions only onto the unnamed road linking the A388 and Dobles Lane; and (e) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy.

West of Dobles Lane Industrial Estate

(1) Land to the west of Dobles Lane Industrial Estate, extending to about 2.1 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for economic development that includes: (a) land and premises for economic development that is reflective of the site, its wider context and focused on meeting identified local business needs; and (b) an extended spinal estate road, connecting River Tamar Way to the southern boundary of the allocated site, appropriate to serve the proposed development, safeguard future opportunities for the delivery of economic development on the adjoining field parcel to the south and to form part of a future highway link to Trewyn Road. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by the development; (b) appropriate layout, planting, screening and boundary treatments to: (i) safeguard the amenity of neighbouring properties; and (ii) provide an acceptable transition to the open countryside; and (c) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy.

Mullacott Business Park

(1) A site of approximately 4 hectares of land is allocated for economic development, as identified on Policies Map 7A that includes: (a) vehicular access through the existing industrial estate; (b) structural landscaping along the eastern and south-western boundaries; (c) measures to safeguard the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; and (d) contributions towards the provision of bus and cycle links to connect to the town centre and proposed Southern Extension (Policy ILF01) where it does not undermine viability. (2) A reserve site of approximately 2 hectares east of the existing Business Park, as shown on Policies Map 7A is safeguarded for future economic development if required during the plan period. The site will be released if: (a) the allocated land has been fully developed or committed; and (b) the land is required to meet additional demand.

Land at Lake Workshops

(1) Land at Lake Workshops, as shown on Policies Map 21, is allocated for economic development that includes a mix of unit sizes to meet local business needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a focus on employment premises within the B1, B2 and B8 Use Classes; (b) a high standard of unified design and appearance in view of the location of the site in the countryside; (c) appropriate screening on the southern boundary to integrate the development into its countryside setting; and (d) location, design and screening of individual premises and uses that provides acceptable impact on adjoining uses.

Delivering Employment and Economic Development

Employment growth will be supported to deliver quantitative and qualitative improvements in job opportunities throughout northern Devon; the achievement of which will be supported on the following basis: (1) Employment generating opportunities to meet identified needs and locally determined growth aspirations. Employment land requirements will be met through the release of a minimum of 84.9 hectares of land for general employment purposes and by the retention and reuse of employment sites. (2) A flexible approach to employment land release will be adopted in response to relocation or expansion proposals that will contribute to improvements in the economy of northern Devon. (3) The District Councils, working in partnership with business and local communities, will maintain and enhance a diverse local economy and encourage opportunities for inward investment. The high environmental qualities of northern Devon will be safeguarded to attract further investment from new and existing employers and links between the environment and the economy will be fostered. (4) Opportunities for new business formations will be actively pursued and the long-term survival of businesses encouraged, with sustainable forms of business, including home-working, and the expansion of ICT particularly supported where this accords with other Local Plan policies. Working with partners, the Councils will encourage education and skills development in order to provide employers with access to a suitably skilled labour force. (5) Within northern Devon, high-value jobs in business, education and research, those supporting a low carbon economy and other key growth sectors will be encouraged in sustainable locations. These jobs will retain and enhance local skills; and developers will need to demonstrate how they will work with local economic partnerships in maximising opportunities for employing local people and developing skills in northern Devon. (6) Support will be given to existing sectors to ensure that they continue to flourish and grow in a sustainable manner. The modernisation of employment sites will be encouraged in order to meet

Former Foxhunters Garage

The site at former Foxhunters Garage, as shown on Policies Map 72, is proposed for economic development that includes: (a) contributions towards improved accessibility to the former railway line between Willingcott and Knowle to complete part of the gap in the Tarka Trail and strategic cycle network; and (b) a single vehicular access on to the A361 with a re-instated hedge bank along the eastern boundary.

Winkleigh Airfield

(1) Development at Winkleigh Airfield, as defined on Policies Map 23, will be in accordance with a Development Brief, or other supplementary planning document approved by the local planning authority, to ensure restoration and enhancement of the landscape and that provides for: (a) a continued use of land at the airfield for agriculture; and (b) other acceptable uses, including B1, B2 and B8 uses, which have no adverse impact on existing business, residential properties or environmental and heritage assets. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following development requirements: (a) securing landscape restoration in the vicinity of existing buildings and uses and elsewhere on the site; (b) improved pedestrian and cycle access within and across the airfield; (c) low density development in landscaped settings; (d) high standards of design; and (e) adoption of sustainable development principles.

Pathfields Business Park

(1) A site of approximately 13.6 hectares east and west of Hacche Lane plus an additional 2.5 hectares for a new livestock market, as identified on Policies Map 9, is allocated for economic development that includes the following site specific development principles: (a) at least 2.5 hectares of land safeguarded for the provision of a new livestock market; (b) strategic structural landscaping including tree planting along the northern, southern and western boundaries, as identified on the Policies Map; (c) retention of existing hedgerows; and (d) a sustainable drainage system that does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the town. (2) The transport and connectivity strategy for the expansion of Pathfields Business Park includes: (a) provision of a road from Bucknell Way, crossing Hacche Lane and linking to the B3226 to the west; (b) provision of, or contribution towards, bus links connecting to the town centre; and (c) connections to the existing network of footpaths and cycleways that connect Pathfields Business Park to the town centre and the community woodland. (3) Land at Borner's Bridge on the A361, as shown on the Policies Map, is identified for junction improvements, which must not be compromised by delivery of other developments. (4) A reserve site of approximately 3 hectares west of Hacche Lane, as shown on Policies Map 9, is safeguarded for future economic development if required during the plan period. The site will be released if: (a) the allocated land has been fully developed or committed; and (b) the land is required to meet additional demand.

Mitigating Climate Change

Development will be expected to make a positive contribution towards the social, economic and environmental sustainability of northern Devon and its communities while minimising its environmental footprint by: (a) reducing greenhouse gas emissions by locating development appropriately and achieving high standards of design; (b) conserving and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment through the prudent use of key resources including land, buildings and energy, whilst protecting and enhancing the area's biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape, coastline, air, water, archaeology and culture; (c) ensuring a balanced mix of uses where development takes place in environmentally, socially and economically sustainable locations by reducing the need to travel, especially by car, and facilitating a step-change towards the use of sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport; (d) promoting opportunities for renewable and low-carbon energy generation whilst conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment; (e) redeveloping previously developed land and reducing, reusing and recycling resources, including construction materials, providing for more efficient use of facilities and enhanced opportunities for recycling; and (f) reducing pressure on water resources and increasing their reuse through sustainable water management.

Sustainable Construction and Buildings

(1) All new major development proposals will make a positive contribution towards the creation of resilient and cohesive communities and ensure that built and environmental assets can adapt to and be resilient to climate change. (2) Non-domestic development of at least 1,000m² will be expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good'. (3) All new major development will be encouraged to build to a standard which minimises the consumption of resources during construction and thereafter in its occupation through: (a) incorporating passive design measures to reduce overall energy demand and improve energy efficiency through the design and layout of the site; (b) connecting to any existing or proposed decentralised energy scheme or developing a scheme individually or jointly within a specified time frame; (c) maximising opportunities for renewable and low carbon technologies; and (d) using locally sourced and/or recycled materials in construction where they are available and represent a viable option.

Delivering Renewable Energy and Heat

(1) Proposals for development incorporating on-site provision of renewable energy (other than wind energy) or renewable heat and/or low carbon technologies will be supported and encouraged where appropriate. (2) Proposals by community-led enterprises and schemes that meet the needs of local communities to offset their energy and heat demand from renewable and low carbon sources (other than wind energy) will be supported where appropriate. (3) Renewable and low carbon energy and heat generating development (other than wind energy) will be supported in the landscape character types where: (a) landscape sensitivity is best able to accommodate them, assessed in accordance with the Councils' Landscape Sensitivity Assessments and by the landscape's sensitivity to accommodate the scale of development; (b) there is no significant impact on local amenities; and (c) the special qualities of nationally important landscape, biodiversity and heritage designations and their settings are conserved or enhanced. (4) Renewable and low carbon energy development (other than wind energy) will be supported where it can demonstrate that the cumulative impact of operational, consented and proposed development on landscape character does not become a significant or defining characteristic of the wider fabric, character and quality of the landscape.

Delivering Renewable Energy and Heat

(1) Proposals for development incorporating on-site provision of renewable energy (other than wind energy) or renewable heat and/or low carbon technologies will be supported and encouraged where appropriate. (2) Proposals by community-led enterprises and schemes that meet the needs of local communities to offset their energy and heat demand from renewable and low carbon sources (other than wind energy) will be supported where appropriate. (3) Renewable and low carbon energy and heat generating development (other than wind energy) will be supported in the landscape character types where: (a) landscape sensitivity is best able to accommodate them, assessed in accordance with the Councils' Landscape Sensitivity Assessments and by the landscape's sensitivity to accommodate the scale of development; (b) there is no significant impact on local amenities; and (c) the special qualities of nationally important landscape, biodiversity and heritage designations and their settings are conserved or enhanced. (4) Renewable and low carbon energy development (other than wind energy) will be supported where it can demonstrate that the cumulative impact of operational, consented and proposed development on landscape character does not become a significant or defining characteristic of the wider fabric, character and quality of the landscape.

Construction and Environmental Management

(1) All development that will generate a significant volume of construction and operational waste will be required to demonstrate through a waste audit statement how the waste will be minimised, and residual waste will be reused or recycled on site, or segregated for reuse and recovery elsewhere in accordance with the waste hierarchy. (2) Development adjacent to an existing or planned waste management facility will be required to demonstrate that the proposed development does not prevent, hinder or unreasonably restrict the operation of the waste development. (3) Development that will generate a significant volume of operational waste will be required to demonstrate that its impact on the highway network is not severe and must provide adequate site access for the type and volume of vehicles that will be using the development. (4) Management of waste from proposed development will be expected to accord with the Devon Waste Plan.

Landscape and Seascape Character

(1) Development should be of an appropriate scale, mass and design that recognises and respects landscape character of both designated and undesignated landscapes and seascapes; it should avoid adverse landscape and seascape impacts and seek to enhance the landscape and seascape assets wherever possible. Development must take into account and respect the sensitivity and capacity of the landscape/seascape asset, considering cumulative impact and the objective to maintain dark skies and tranquility in areas that are relatively undisturbed, using guidance from the Joint Landscape and Seascape Character Assessments for North Devon and Torridge. Development within or affecting the setting of the North Devon Coast AONB or affecting the setting of Exmoor National Park (2) Great weight will be given to conserving the landscape and scenic beauty of designated landscapes and their settings. Proposals affecting the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or Exmoor National Park or their settings should have regard to their statutory purposes including to ensure that their landscape character and natural beauty are conserved and enhanced. Development should be appropriately located to address the sensitivity and capacity of these designated areas and will not be permitted where it would conflict with the achievement of their statutory purposes. (3) Proposals within or affecting the setting of the AONB should be informed by, and assist in the delivery of, the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan. Major development within the AONB will be refused subject to the tests of exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest as set out in national policy. Heritage Coast (4) Development within the Heritage Coast should maintain the character and distinctive landscape qualities of the area.

Safeguarding Green Infrastructure

Development involving the loss of green infrastructure including public open space will only be supported where: (a) alternative green infrastructure is provided of at least equivalent size, quality and accessibility to that being lost; or (b) the green infrastructure network in the locality can be retained or enhanced through redevelopment of a small part of the site; and in either case (c) there is no net loss in sustainable travel options.

Green Infrastructure Provision

Development will provide new accessible green infrastructure, including public open space and built facilities, to meet at least the green infrastructure quantitative and accessibility standards, as set out in Table 13.1 and Infrastructure Delivery Plan, to meet the needs of its intended occupants.

Local Green Spaces

(1) Land at Portmore Golf Course, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified as a local green space where any development must: (a) enhance opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; (b) enhance the site's contribution to the local biodiversity network; and (c) protect the site's open character with any new buildings or structures sited and designed to minimise their visual impact. (2) The community woodlands at Yeo Valley and Whiddon Valley, as shown on Policies Map 1, are identified as local green spaces where their biodiversity and recreational value will be protected and enhanced. (3) Land between the Tarka Trail and the A361 north-west of Bradiford Water and land south of the Tarka Trail to the north of Bickington and Sticklepath, as shown on Policies Map 1, are identified as accessible natural green spaces where the green infrastructure network will be enhanced through habitat creation, provision of new outdoor recreation and leisure opportunities and improved pedestrian and cycle links to the Tarka Trail. (4) Land off Portmarsh Lane, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified as a local green space where its biodiversity and recreational value will be protected and enhanced.

Flood Management Strategy

Flood management measures along the River Taw and its tributaries will re-establish functional flood plains in the Taw estuary and upstream of Barnstaple.

Green Wedges

Green wedges between Barnstaple and the villages of Fremington and Landkey are identified on Policies Maps 1, 4 and 51 to protect the individual identities of these settlements. Within these green wedges, development that could lead to or contribute towards the coalescence of these settlements will be resisted.

Local Green Spaces

(1) Land between Braunton and Wrafton, as shown on Policies Map 3, is identified as a local green space where any development must: (a) provide or enhance opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; (b) not harm its open character, with any new buildings or structures sited and designed to minimise their visual impact; (c) protect and enhance the site's features of local biodiversity value; and (d) not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in Braunton and Wrafton. (2) Braunton Great Field, as shown on Policies Map 3, is identified as a local green space where its archaeological heritage and setting will be protected. (3) The Recreation Ground, as shown on Policies Map 3, is identified as a local green space where any development must: (a) enhance opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; and (b) not harm its open character, with any new buildings or structures sited and designed to minimise their visual impact.

Local Green Space

Land at the Millennium Green and community woodland, as shown on the Policies Map 11, is identified as a local green space where any development must: (a) enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure; (b) protect and enhance the site's recreational value and/or its contribution to the local biodiversity network; and (c) ensure any new buildings or structures are sited and designed to minimise their visual impact.

Environmental Protection

Hazards (1) Development will be supported where it does not cause an unacceptable risk to public health and safety due to: (a) coastal erosion or land instability; (b) its siting on known or suspected contaminated land which is unsuitable for the use proposed; or (c) the storage or use of hazardous substance; unless taking account of appropriate remedial, preventative or precautionary measures to remove, reduce or mitigate risk to an acceptable level. Pollution (2) Development will be supported where it does not result in unacceptable impacts to: (a) atmospheric pollution by gas or particulates, including smell, fumes, dust, grit, smoke and soot; (b) pollution of surface or ground water (fresh and salt) including rivers, canals, other watercourses, water bodies, wetlands, water gathering grounds including catchment areas, aquifers, groundwater protection areas, harbours, estuaries or the sea; (c) noise or vibration; and (d) light pollution (sky glow, light intrusion and light spillage), where light overspills on to areas not intended to be lit. Areas particularly sensitive to light pollution include tranquil areas of open countryside, in particular areas of nature conservation value and Exmoor National Park's Dark Sky Reserve. Air Quality Management Area (3) Development and traffic proposals that help to deliver measures identified within a Local Air Quality Action Plan or improved overall air quality will be supported.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

(1) Development should conserve, protect and, where possible, enhance biodiversity and geodiversity interests and soils commensurate with their status and giving appropriate weight to their importance. All development must ensure that the importance of habitats and designated sites are taken into account and consider opportunities for the creation of a local and district-wide biodiversity network of wildlife corridors which link County Wildlife Sites and other areas of biodiversity importance. (2) The highest level of protection will be given to potential and existing Special Protection Areas, candidate and existing Special Areas of Conservation and listed or proposed Ramsar sites. Proposals having an adverse impact on the integrity of such areas that cannot be avoided or adequately mitigated to remove any adverse effect will not be permitted other than in exceptional circumstances. These circumstances will only apply where there are: (a) no alternative solutions; (b) imperative reasons of overriding public interest; and (c) necessary compensatory provisions secured to ensure that the overall coherence of the Natura 2000 network of European sites is protected. (3) Development will only be supported where any necessary mitigation is included such that, in combination with other plans or projects, there will be no adverse effects on the integrity of European Nature Conservation Sites. (4) Development proposals within or outside a Site of Special Scientific Interest or Marine Conservation Zone which would be likely to affect the designation adversely, either individually or in combination with other developments, will not be supported unless the benefits of the development at this site clearly outweigh both the adverse impacts on the site and any adverse impacts on the wider network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Marine Conservation Zones. (5) Development likely to affect adversely locally designated sites, their features or their function as part of the ecological network, including County Wildlife Sites, County Geological Sites and sites supporting Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species, will only be permitted where the need for and benefits of the development clearly outweigh the loss, and the coherence of the local ecological network is maintained. (6) Adverse impacts on European and UK protected species and Biodiversity Action Plan habitats and species must be avoided wherever possible, subject to: (i) the legal tests afforded to them where applicable; or otherwise unless (ii) the need for and benefits clearly outweigh the loss. (7) Development must avoid the loss or deterioration of ancient woodland and veteran trees, unless the need for, or benefits of development on that site clearly outweigh the loss. (8) Development should avoid adverse impact on existing features as a first principle and enable net gains by designing in biodiversity features and enhancements and opportunities for geological conservation alongside new development. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable they must be adequately and proportionately mitigated, If full mitigation cannot be provided, compensation will be required as a last resort.

Local Green Spaces

(1) Great Torrington Commons and Conservator Lands, as shown on Policies Map 5, is identified as Local Green Space where development will be permissible only where necessary: (a) to preserve the Common; or (b) to enhance the area's contribution to the local biodiversity network; or (c) to enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Local Green Space

Land at Brimlands and Hillsborough of approximately 21 hectares, as shown on Policies Map 7, is identified as a local green space where any development must protect and enhance: (a) the heritage value of Hillsborough's Scheduled Ancient Monument and its setting; (b) the special character and qualities of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (c) the site's features of local biodiversity value, including its Local Nature Reserve; (d) opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; and (e) the area's open character, with any new buildings or structures sited and designed to minimise their visual impact.

Green Wedge

A green wedge from Pusehill Road in the west to Goats Hill Road in the north east is shown on Policies Map 8A to protect the individual identities of the communities on either side. Within this green wedge, development that could lead to or contribute towards the coalescence of these parts of the settlement will be resisted.

Local Green Space

Land at the recreation ground and community woodland, as shown on Policies Map 9, is identified as a local green space where any development must: (a) enhance opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; (b) protect and enhance the site's recreational value and contribution to the local biodiversity network; and (c) ensure any new buildings or structures are sited and designed to minimise their visual impact.

Adapting to Climate Change and Strengthening Resilience

Development should be designed and constructed to take account of the impacts of climate change and minimise the risk to and vulnerability of people, land, infrastructure and property by: (a) locating and designing development to minimise flood risk through: (i) avoiding the development of land for vulnerable uses which is or will be at risk from flooding, and (ii) managing and reducing flood risk for development where that has wider sustainability or regeneration benefits to the community, or where there is no reasonable alternative site; (b) reducing existing rates of surface water runoff within Critical Drainage Areas; (c) upgrading flood defences and protecting key transport routes from risks of flooding; (d) re-establishing functional flood plains in accordance with the Shoreline Management Plan, Flood Risk Management Plan and Catchment Action Plan; (e) locating development to avoid risk from current and future coastal erosion; (f) adopting effective water management including Sustainable Drainage Systems, water quality improvements, water efficiency measures and the use of rainwater; (g) ensuring development is resilient to the impacts of climate change through making effective use of renewable resources, passive heating and cooling, natural light and ventilation; (h) ensuring risks from potential climate change hazards, including pollutants (of air and land) are minimised to protect and promote healthy and safe environments; (i) conserving and enhancing landscapes and networks of habitats, including cross-boundary green infrastructure links, strengthening the resilience of biodiversity to climate change by facilitating migration of wildlife between habitats and improving their connectivity; (j) protecting and integrating green infrastructure into urban areas, improving access to natural and managed green space; and (k) promoting the potential contribution from ecosystem services that support adaptation to climate change.

Coast and Estuary Strategy

The Coastal and Estuarine Zone is identified on the Policies Map where: (1) The sustainability of coastal communities will be maintained and enhanced with regard to their distinctive cultural heritage, diverse maritime economy, landscape setting

Enhancing Environmental Assets

The quality of northern Devon's natural environment will be protected and enhanced by ensuring that development contributes to: (a) providing a net gain in northern Devon's biodiversity where possible, through positive management of an enhanced and expanded network of designated sites and green infrastructure, including retention and enhancement of critical environmental capital; (b) protecting the hierarchy of designated sites in accordance with their status; (c) conserving European protected species and the habitats on which they depend; (d) conserving northern Devon's geodiversity and its best and most versatile agricultural land; (e) conserving the setting and special character and qualities of the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty whilst fostering the social and economic well being of the area; (f) ensuring development conserves and enhances northern Devon's local distinctiveness including its tranquillity, and the setting and special qualities of Exmoor National Park including its dark night skies; (g) protecting and enhancing local landscape and seascape character, taking into account the key characteristics, the historical dimension of the landscape and their sensitivity to change; (h) recognising the importance of the undeveloped coastal, estuarine and marine environments through supporting designations, plans and policies that aim to protect and enhance northern Devon's coastline; (i) conserving and enhancing the robustness of northern Devon's ecosystems and the range of ecosystem services they provide; (j) increasing opportunities for access, education and appreciation of all aspects of northern Devon's environment, for all sections of the community; (k) meeting the Nature Improvement Area's strategic objectives; and (l) improving failing water bodies and preventing deterioration of water quality.

Coast and Estuary Strategy

(1) The sustainability of coastal communities will be maintained and enhanced with regard to their distinctive cultural heritage, diverse maritime economy, landscape setting and regeneration opportunities. The separate identity of these settlements will be maintained and enhanced. (2) Priority will be given to employment uses and waterside infrastructure requiring a coastal location. Such uses will be directed to previously developed sites around the coastline and the Taw-Torridge estuary with existing jetties and wharves. These sites should be safeguarded for employment uses requiring a waterside location. Facilities at Appledore and Yelland Quay will be protected for their value as landing stages for marine aggregates and for other marine employment uses. Loss of traditional boating facilities that are part of the fabric of coastal communities will be discouraged. (3) Proposals for tourism attractions, leisure developments, new tourist accommodation, associated tourism facilities and services of an appropriate scale will be supported within the Developed Coast where they enhance the quality or diversity of the local tourism offer and will not detract from the character of protected landscapes and other environmental assets. (4) Settlements and resorts will be defended against marine inundation, coastal erosion and tidal flooding without transferring risks elsewhere. Opportunities to manage coastal realignment and re-establish functional flood plains will be supported in accordance with the Shoreline Management Plan. (5) The integrity of the coast and estuary as an important wildlife corridor will be protected and enhanced. The importance of the undeveloped coastal, estuarine and marine environments, including the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, will be recognised through supporting designations, plans and policies. The undeveloped character of the Heritage Coasts will be protected. (6) Water quality will be improved where it has been affected by human activity. (7) Development within the Undeveloped Coast and estuary will be supported where it does not detract from the unspoilt character, appearance and tranquillity of the area, nor the undeveloped character of the Heritage Coasts, and it is required because it cannot reasonably be located outside the Undeveloped Coast and estuary. (8) The role and operation of Bideford and Ilfracombe as commercial and leisure ports / harbours will be maintained and enhanced. Proposals to diversify Ilfracombe's role as a ferry port to South Wales and beyond will be supported. The development of port facilities to maintain and improve the competitiveness of the fishing industry at Bideford, Appledore, Clovelly and Ilfracombe and to enhance leisure opportunities in appropriate coastal locations where required to meet community needs will be supported. (9) Military training and operational uses around the Taw-Torridge estuary will be supported in locations associated with established military activity. (10) Delivery of onshore facilities for operational servicing of offshore renewable energy proposals will be facilitated in existing ports and at existing jetties and wharves where they: (a) do not harm identified environmental and heritage assets; and (b) do not prejudice the current operational effectiveness of the port. (11) The continuity of the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail will be protected and a network of connecting routes will be improved. Improvements to coastal and estuarine access will be sought where rundown waterfront areas are regenerated. The Tarka Trail link between Ilfracombe and Braunton will be completed.

Combe Martin Field System

Combe Martin Field System, as shown on Policies Map 14, is identified as a heritage asset, where its historic landscape character and setting will be protected.

Historic Environment

(1) All proposals affecting heritage assets should be accompanied by sufficient information, in the form of a Heritage Statement, to enable the impact of the proposal on the significance of the heritage asset and its setting to be properly assessed. As part of such an assessment, consideration should be given, in order of preference, for avoiding any harm, providing enhancement, then minimising and mitigating any harm. (2) Proposals which conserve and enhance heritage assets and their settings will be supported. Where there is unavoidable harm to heritage assets and their settings, proposals will only be supported where the harm is minimised as far as possible, and an acceptable balance between harm and benefit can be achieved in line with the national policy tests, giving great weight to the conservation of heritage assets. (3) Proposals to improve the energy efficiency of, or to generate renewable energy from, historic buildings or surrounding these heritage assets will be supported where: (a) there is no significant harm or degradation of historic fabric including traditional windows; and (b) equivalent carbon dioxide emission savings cannot be achieved by alternative siting or design that would have a less severe impact on the integrity of heritage assets.

Conserving Heritage Assets

Great weight will be given to the desirability of preserving and enhancing northern Devon's historic environment by: (a) conserving the historic dimension of the landscape; (b) conserving cultural, built, historic and archaeological features of national and local importance and their settings, including those that are not formally designated; (c) identifying and protecting locally important buildings that contribute to the area's local character and identity; and (d) increasing opportunities for access, education and appreciation of all aspects of northern Devon's historic environment, for all sections of the community.

Land at Towell Meadow, Beaford

(1) Land at Towell Meadow, as shown on Policies Map 30, is allocated for residential development of approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) housing located towards the southern and eastern boundaries; (b) vehicular access from Towell Lane, including rear access for existing houses to the south west of the site on Main Street; (c) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedges on the site boundaries and strengthen and incorporate landscaping on the north eastern boundary to enhance biodiversity and integrate the new development into the landscape; (d) a layout and design that provides an acceptable impact on existing properties and the conservation area; (e) retain and enhance the majority of the western part of the site as public open space, including the historic village well; and (f) provide a footpath link from Towell Lane to Bond Street within the site layout.

Land at Rye Park Close, Beaford Garage and Land to Rear

(1) Land off Rye Park Close and Beaford Garage, as shown on Policies Map 30, is allocated as a mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 30 dwellings, including affordable homes, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, and, (b) retention of the garage/workshop within a revised format, providing an improved vehicular access to the village school and safe parking facilities. (2) The site should be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from A3124, through the existing garage frontage; (b) provide vehicular access to the village school and parking facilities to relieve school related road side congestion; (c) provide safe pedestrian and cycle access from the residential development to Main Street and through to the village school; (d) high quality sympathetic design responding to the bordering conservation area and Grade II listed buildings of Chapland's Cottages; and (e) incorporate landscaping on the western and southern boundaries to enhance biodiversity and integrate the new development into the landscape.

Berrynarbor Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development, supported by necessary infrastructure, to meet the needs of Berrynarbor. The local community has a vision for the parish that seeks to maintain the character and appearance of the area for the benefit of both residents and visitors alike, while adopting a positive approach to beneficial development well related to the village that addresses local need. The surrounding high quality landscape, natural and built environment, local community and its facilities are particularly valued and should be protected. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 12 dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and new sites, although no additional site allocations are proposed; (b) protection of the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (c) protection of the natural environment including the special landscape character and qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (d) protection and enhancement of local facilities to meet locally generated needs; and (e) support for superfast broadband connections.

Residential Development in defined Settlements without development boundaries

(1) Residential development in Local Centres and Villages without development boundaries will be supported on allocated sites and where: (a) the site is located within the principal built form of the settlement and is not protected for any other use; or (b) the site is well related to the main built form of the settlement and provides an affordable housing focused development in accordance with Policy ST19. (2) Subject to the above qualification development proposals should: (a) not harm the settlement's rural character, setting, form or the surrounding countryside; (b) be proportionate to the settlement's size, form and level of facilities available in the Local Centre or Village; and (c) conserve the special landscape character and qualities of areas designated for their local, national or international importance including the setting of Exmoor National Park.

Rural Settlements

In qualifying Rural Settlements, proposals for local occupancy dwellings to meet a locally identified housing need will be supported where: (a) the development site forms part of a small closely grouped or contiguous built form of housing that is physically separate from urban areas of other defined settlements; (b) the scale is proportionate to the settlement's size, form and character; (c) the site is within or directly adjoining the built form of the settlement; (d) the size of the dwellings are no larger than can be justified by the established need; (e) it would not harm the settlement's rural character and setting; and (f) secure arrangements are made to ensure the dwellings remain available to meet the locally identified housing needs of the local community both initially and in the long term provided the need exists.

Residential Extensions and Ancillary Development

(1) The extension of a residential dwelling and other ancillary development, beyond that enabled through permitted development, will be supported subject to: (a) the form, scale, setting and design of the proposal respecting existing development, its context, setting and surroundings; (b) adequate residential amenity space and parking provision being maintained; and (c) there being no significant adverse impact on the amenity of the occupants of neighbouring properties. (2) Annexe accommodation will be physically attached to the main house and be commensurate in scale to the needs of the intended occupants.

Replacement Dwellings in the Countryside

Proposals for the replacement of an existing dwelling in the Countryside will be supported, subject to: (a) the replacement dwelling respecting the character of the surroundings and is no more visually intrusive than that of the existing dwelling; and (b) the new dwelling offering a positive enhancement to the quality of design and/or level of sustainability when compared to that being replaced.

Re-use of Disused and Redundant Rural Buildings

The conversion of redundant and disused rural buildings will be supported where: (a) such conversion would not harm any intrinsic qualities and historic interest of the building; (b) the proposal will have a positive impact on the immediate setting of the building and the wider rural character is protected; (c) development can be achieved without significant external alteration, extension or substantive rebuilding; (d) suitable highway access can be provided and the surrounding highway network can support the proposed use(s); and (e) any nature conservation interest within the building or wider site is retained.

King's Nympton Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the parish to ensure the tranquillity and beauty of the countryside around the village is preserved whilst facilitating some additional housing and employment, particularly for young people in order to maintain a spread of age groups in the area, and to preserve and enhance the existing community spirit. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 20 new dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community including for elderly residents. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions, with no new sites allocated for housing but one non-strategic housing site; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) improved broadband coverage; (d) retention of the character and setting of the village, King's Nympton Park and its relationship with the countryside; and (e) retention and improvement of recreation and community facilities to meet a local need, including allotments and a village car park.

Kentisbury / Kentisbury Ford Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the community that seeks to maintain the area's character and appearance for the benefit of residents, while adopting a positive approach to development well related to the village that addresses local needs. The surrounding high quality landscape along the approaches to Exmoor, the natural and built environment, local community and its facilities are particularly valued and should be protected. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 6 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions, with no new sites allocated for housing; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention and enhancement of the character of the villages, their relationship with the surrounding countryside and protection of the high quality local environment including the setting of listed buildings; (d) delivery of superfast broadband connections; (e) support for appropriate renewable energy schemes; and (f) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities.

Site West of Buckleigh Road

(1) Land to the west of Buckleigh Road, extending to about 30 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 8A, will be comprehensively planned to deliver a sustainable, high quality mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 740 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including those of the area's elderly population and affordable housing; and (b) a local centre, including facilities to accommodate community and retail uses. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential areas; (b) graduation of development from the north to the southern and western elements of the site providing for a diminishing density of development to achieve an appropriate relationship between the development and the countryside beyond; (c) enhanced landscaping around boundaries with existing residential development; (d) enhanced on site management of surface water and drainage so as not to increase flood risk on the site and beyond, including as necessary contributions to secure improvements to the Kenwith Flood Risk Defence Scheme; (e) a dual access from Buckleigh Road providing a linked route through the site; (f) retained Public Right of Way across the southern section of the site; and (g) highway improvements to Buckleigh Road and contributed improvements to the Silford Cross junction and the junction of Buckleigh Road and A39.

Land adjacent to Landsdowne Park

(1) Land adjacent to Landsdowne Park, of about 1 hectare, as defined on Policies Map 8A, is allocated for housing, subject to the following: (a) approximately 20 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets and protects the amenity value of new residents against the impacts of adjoining recreation facilities.

Tadworthy Road (Northam)

Land north of Tadworthy Road and north of Golf Links Road, extending to about 8 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 8A, is allocated for a residential use with community and leisure facilities, that includes: (a) approximately 125 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing; (b) a vehicular route connecting Lakenham Hill to Golf Links Road, providing for a distinct gateway point into Westward Ho! on the sites northern boundary; (c) areas of green infrastructure providing opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and informal recreation that provide for transparency through the site towards Northam Burrows; and (d) on the site north of Golf Links Road: football pitch provision, including associated facilities and car parking, to meet existing needs including an adult pitch and two junior pitches, which will be phased to be delivered with the associated housing development.

Abbotsham Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Abbotsham. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 23 dwellings, including affordable homes and accommodation to meet the changing needs of the villages ageing population. The supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation; (b) identifying a site for additional housing at the Glebe, within the development boundary; (c) support for a pedestrian footbridge over the A39 from the settlement to Atlantic Village, along the existing footpath (subject to Land at Winsford Farm, north of Clovelly Road, Bideford being developed subject to Policy BID01); (d) promoting a footpath and cycleway connecting Bideford to Abbotsham; (e) renovation of village hall and children's playground; and (f) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land at The Glebe

(1) Land at the Glebe, as shown on Policies Map 27, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 23 dwellings, including affordable homes, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) single vehicular access from south-western corner from B3236; (b) footway and cycleway access from the residential development to village facilities both on and off site (there will be a need for off-site highway works in relation to strategic highway infrastructure and be a requirement for the development to contribute towards such works); (c) financial contribution towards the enhancement of Abbotsham village hall and children's playground; and (d) retained and strengthened landscaping on the sites southern boundary to deliver enhanced biodiversity and to integrate the new development into the landscape.

Ashwater Spatial Strategy

The vision for the village is focused on meeting the economic and social needs of the local community by increasing the range of housing to meet locally generated needs and securing the retention and enhancement of local services and facilities. The vision will be delivered through the provision of a minimum of 11 dwellings that principally secure new homes for local people in affordable housing need.

Atherington Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 7 new dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation for approximately 5 dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) support for additional community facilities to meet locally generated needs; (d) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; and (e) improved broadband coverage.

Land North of Torrington Road

(1) Land north of the B3227 Torrington Road, as shown on Policies Map 29, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 5 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from the B3227; (b) a proportionate contribution toward addressing the sewage treatment deficiencies in the village; and (c) retention and enhancement of existing boundary hedgerows and provision of additional landscaping on the northern boundary to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape.

Westacott Strategic Extension

(1) Land at Westacott, (about 23 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a comprehensive, sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 950 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) approximately 5 hectares of land for economic development; (c) a neighbourhood hub to include an additional 420 place primary school including early years and youth provision for the town, community hall, formal and informal open space and recreation and sports facilities; (d) a new park and change facility close to the A361 junction to facilitate opportunities to use public transport links between Landkey and Barnstaple; and (e) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) This strategic extension will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for Barnstaple; (b) establish a new gateway into Barnstaple and create an appropriate boundary between the development and the adjoining countryside; (c) provide new business and employment opportunities with good access to the A361; (d) safeguard the historic setting of the listed buildings at Acland Barton, Westacott House and Thornfield Barn; (e) provide a neighbourhood hub that forms a focus to meet the community's needs and offers complementary services and facilities rather than replacing those available elsewhere in the town centre; (f) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site, including the protection and enhancement of Acland Wood county wildlife site and provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors and sport and recreation facilities; (g) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; and (h) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems in combination with tree planting to reduce the risk of flooding along the Coney Gut and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for this strategic site will: (a) provide improvements at the Landkey junction on the A361 to deliver the primary vehicular access to all parts of the development and provide a new vehicular link between the development and Westacott Road; (b) provide a new park and change facility close to the Landkey junction and improve public transport links between Landkey, Whiddon Valley and the town centre; and (c) establish a permeable and connected network of footpaths and cycleways across the site that facilitates connections for pedestrians and cyclists between the proposed development, Landkey and Whiddon Valley and the Tarka Trail, to improve opportunities for sustainable travel choices within and around Barnstaple to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

Larkbear Strategic Extension

(1) Land at Larkbear, (about 31 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a comprehensive, sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 820 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) approximately 1.5 hectare of land adjoining Petroc for innovation and incubation units; (c) a neighbourhood hub to include an additional 420 place primary school and medical centre; (d) formal and informal open space and recreation facilities; and (e) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) This strategic extension will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for Barnstaple; (b) safeguard the historic character and setting of Lake; (c) provide a neighbourhood hub that forms a focus to meet the community's needs, and provides complementary services and facilities rather than replacing those available elsewhere in the town; (d) provide a new vehicular access to the boundary of Petroc and facilitate its growth as a university level resource; (e) provide new business and employment opportunities that relate directly to Petroc to facilitate growth of higher value sectors of the northern Devon economy; (f) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors and recreation facilities; (g) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; and (h) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding around Lake and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for this strategic extension will: (a) provide a new junction on the A361 to deliver the primary vehicular access to the development and a new main vehicular access to Petroc and the adjoining innovation and incubation units; (b) improve public transport links between Roundswell, Seven Brethren and the Town Centre; (c) establish a permeable and connected network of footpaths and cycleways across the site that facilitate connections for pedestrians and cyclists between the proposed development, Roundswell, Seven Brethren, the town centre and the Tarka Trail, to improve opportunities for sustainable travel choices within and around Barnstaple to reduce reliance on the private motor car; and (d) provide a foot and cycle bridge over the A361 and railway line to deliver safer pedestrian access to Seven Brethren and towards Park School.

Old Torrington Road, Roundswell

(1) Land east of Old Torrington Road, (about 6 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a sustainable, high quality development that includes: (a) approximately 138 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (b) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding elsewhere in Barnstaple; and (c) safeguard an area of woodland on the boundary immediately east of the Crematorium for the future extension of the existing memorial garden. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will: (a) provide vehicular access from Old Torrington Road; and (b) provide a footpath and cycle link between the development site and Larkbear strategic extension (BAR02) through the Larkbear Plantation.

Tews Lane, Roundswell

(1) Land west of Tews Lane, (about 10 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a sustainable, high quality development that includes: (a) approximately 350 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for Barnstaple; (b) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site, including a green buffer along the northern boundary and provision of this stretch of the cross-town cycle route; (c) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (d) avoid or mitigate any impact on the adjacent county wildlife site and Site of Special Scientific Interest; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage areas and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding along Muddlebrook and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will: (a) facilitate delivery of a future road link through the site between Old Bideford Road and Bickington Road; and (b) improve public transport and cycle links between Bickington, Roundswell and the Town Centre.

Mount Sandford Green

(1) Land at Mount Sandford Green, (about 9.5 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 175 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) approximately 2.8 hectares of land for economic development at the northern part of the site; and (c) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for Barnstaple; (b) provide new business opportunities with good access to the A361; (c) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site, including provision of new or improved grade separated pedestrian and cycle links across the A361; (d) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding along the Coney Gut and elsewhere in Barnstaple; and (f) safeguard the historic setting of the listed buildings at Whiddon. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will: (a) provide a new junction on the A361 to deliver the primary vehicular access to the development with a secondary vehicular access to the development from Landkey Road; and (b) facilitate connections for pedestrians and cyclists between the proposed development and Fairacre Avenue to improve opportunities for sustainable travel choices within and around Barnstaple to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

Westaway Plain, Pilton

(1) Land adjoining Westaway Plain, (about 6.5 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for high quality residential development that includes: (a) approximately 130 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (b) retain and enhance existing hedgerows and provide strategic green infrastructure on the northern part of the site as identified on Policies Map 1; (c) retain and enhance Shearford Lane as a key feature of the green infrastructure network, and retain existing hedgerow boundaries; (d) safeguard the historic setting of the listed buildings at Westaway and Westaway Cottage; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to avoid increasing the risk of flooding along Bradiford Water and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will provide: (a) separate vehicular accesses to Westaway Plain from land either side of Shearford Lane, without any vehicular link through Shearford Lane; and (b) an alternative vehicular route through the site to link Westaway Plain to Northfield Lane.

South of North Devon District Hospital

(1) Land south of North Devon District Hospital, (about 4.5 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for high quality residential development that includes: (a) approximately 105 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; and (b) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems in combination with tree planting to reduce the risk of flooding along Old Mill Leat, River Yeo and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will provide: (a) vehicular access from a new junction on North Road; and (b) a footpath across the site linking to the existing footpath along the western boundary.

North Lane, Bickington

(1) Land west of North Lane in Bickington, (about 5 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for high quality residential development that includes: (a) approximately 65 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) private car parking for existing dwellings along Union Terrace; and (c) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development, including a new village green. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (b) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding along Muddlebrook and elsewhere in Barnstaple; (c) reinstate and enhance hedgerows along the northern boundary; and (d) conserve the historic character, appearance and setting of Bickington Conservation Area and the setting of listed buildings off North Lane. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will: (a) provide vehicular access from North Lane, with improvements to the junction at Bickington Road; and (b) facilitate connections for pedestrians and cyclists between Bickington and the Tarka Trail to improve opportunities for sustainable travel choices within and around Barnstaple.

Former School Site, Roundswell

(1) Land east of Roundswell Community Centre, (about 3 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for high quality residential development that includes: (a) approximately a 50-bed unit of self-contained extra care housing, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) Development will provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding along Muddlebrook and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will: (a) provide vehicular access from Old Bideford Road; and (b) provide a footpath and cycle link between Old Bideford Road and Old Torrington Road to contribute towards delivery of the cross-town cycle route. (4) The development will not be commenced until an alternative primary school within the Roundswell / Bickington area has been started.

Glenwood Farm, Roundswell

(1) Land west of Roundswell Business Park, (approximately 11 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 1, is allocated for a sustainable, high quality, residential development that includes: (a) approximately 210 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development; and (c) approximately 0.8 hectares for economic development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide new serviced employment land that facilitates economic growth; (b) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (c) retain existing hedgerows and enhance planting along the eastern and southern boundaries; (d) establish a new western gateway into Barnstaple; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems in combination with tree planting to reduce the risk of flooding along Muddlebrook and elsewhere in Barnstaple. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the site will provide a road link through the site between the A39 and Old Bideford Road.

Anchorwood Bank

(1) Land at Anchorwood Bank, (approximately 10 hectares) as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for a comprehensive, sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 172 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) approximately 6,000 square metres net retail floorspace and additional leisure, tourism, commercial and community facilities; (c) new pedestrian and cycle links along the river frontage between the Tarka Trail and the Longbridge and enhanced pedestrian and cycle links over the River Taw; and (d) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) retention and conversion of the Oliver buildings; (b) adequate flood alleviation measures to manage and mitigate risks from flooding; (c) vehicular access to the A3125; and (d) balancing ponds to control surface water runoff and prevent increasing the risks of flooding elsewhere in Barnstaple.

Buckland Brewer Spatial Strategy

The community's spatial vision for the Local Centre is that it should support a range of facilities and amenities to meet the needs of residents and that it should have a more balanced age profile than at present. The community accepts that significant growth in population, particularly in the younger age groups, is likely to be necessary to help achieve this. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 113 dwellings including affordable homes, to meet a range of housing needs in the community with an emphasis on smaller properties for families and single people. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and three site allocations with a capacity for approximately 55 dwellings; (b) three additional housing sites within the development boundary, together with smaller infill plots; (c) seeking to retain and expand existing services and facilities in the village; (d) retention of existing sports and recreation facilities, and (e) supporting appropriate employment provision, including live-work units subject to market demand.

Land at Orleigh Close

(1) Land north east of Orleigh Close, as shown on Policies Map 12, is allocated for residential development that includes (a) approximately 25 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, including affordable homes; and (b) adequate replacement for any parking spaces lost to obtain satisfactory access to the principal village road through Orleigh Close. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access only from Orleigh Close; (b) a design and layout that provides an acceptable impact on existing properties; (c) provision of a substantial tree and hedge screen on all boundaries with open countryside; and (d) a pedestrian link to land proposed for development to the south east.

Land to the South East of Orleigh Close

(1) Land to the south east of Orleigh Close, as shown on Policies Map 12, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 25 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, including affordable homes. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific principles: (a) vehicular and pedestrian access from the development adjoining the new village hall; (b) a pedestrian link to the development of site BBR02; (c) a design and layout that provides an acceptable impact on existing properties and future development; and (d) provision of a substantial tree and hedge screen on all boundaries with open countryside.

Land to the West of Tower Hill

(1) Land to the west of Tower Hill, as shown on Policies Map 12, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 5 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and size to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific principles: (a) vehicular access only to Tower Hill; (b) a design, including highway design, and layout that provides an acceptable impact on the adjacent conservation area and does not harm the setting of the nearby Grade II* listed Church; (c) provision of a substantial tree and hedge screen on the western boundary; and (d) accommodation of the existing public footpath within the development.

Beaford Spatial Strategy

The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 43 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community, the supply of housing will be delivered through two site allocations, with a capacity for approximately 42 dwellings; (b) two additional housing sites allocated within the development boundary; (c) improved vehicular access to the village school with associated safe parking facilities; (d) additional employment provision, focused on small business units; (e) retaining the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; (f) provision of enhanced public open space at Towell Meadow; (g) support for improvements to the main highway thoroughfare in terms of improving safety for pedestrians and public highway users; and (h) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land North of Towell Lane / Towell Meadow

(1) Land north of Towell Lane, as shown on Policies Map 30, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 12 dwellings, including affordable homes, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) housing located towards the southern and eastern boundaries; (b) vehicular access from Towell Lane, including rear access for existing houses to the south west of the site on Main Street; (c) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedges on the site boundaries and strengthen and incorporate landscaping on the north eastern boundary to enhance biodiversity and integrate the new development into the landscape; (d) a layout and design that provides an acceptable impact on existing properties and the conservation area; (e) retain and enhance the majority of the western part of the site as public open space, including the historic village well; and (f) provide a footpath link from Towell Lane to Bond Street within the site layout.

Bideford Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Bideford will continue to be a focus for growth in northern Devon, which will be delivered without prejudice to valued environmental assets having due regard to the importance of the areas setting and landscape quality. Bideford will provide an enhanced range of services and facilities to meet the needs of its residents and hinterland. The town will offer a choice of well-designed housing which meets lifetime needs with a network of greenspaces linking the surrounding countryside. There will be a diverse range of local employment supported by a skilled workforce with strong linkages to enhanced educational infrastructure. Bideford Port, together with associated infrastructure will develop as an asset that contributes to the economic significance of the town. The town centre will be vibrant, attractive and safe for all users with a range of retail and leisure activities achieved through a programme of regeneration and public realm enhancements that encourages increased use and investment. The Spatial Development Strategy (1) Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable significant growth of high quality development which is supported by necessary infrastructure that will meet the needs of Bideford and its surrounding communities and to strengthen Bideford's role as a Strategic Centre. Achieved development will be delivered having regard to the setting of the town in the landscape and its special character provided by the coastal location. Specifically, the Local Plan will support: (a) provision of a minimum of 4,127 dwellings including affordable and supported homes to meet all of the community's housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure; (b) in addition to existing commitments, new site allocations, including capacity provided by previously developed sites, will be required to provide approximately 2,815 dwellings; (c) urban extensions to the west and south-west of Bideford and to the south of East-the-Water (as part of the provision of new site allocations) will accommodate strategically significant levels of housing growth of approximately 2,130 dwellings that is supported by required social and physical infrastructure; (d) employment capacity will be maintained and enhanced on established industrial estates and additional provision made to develop the town's role as a locally significant employment centre. Additional employment capacity will be provided on new site allocations: approximately 8 hectares to the south of the Caddsdown Industrial Park and 5 hectares for commercial development on Atlantic Park as part of the Bideford West urban extension; (e) support for initiatives within Bideford town centre and environs that improves the town's functionality and vitality through an expansion and enhanced range of appropriate uses. To achieve the objectives of the Bideford Regeneration Framework, regeneration and revitalisation schemes at the former Livestock Market, The Pill, Bridge Street and East-the-Water Wharves will provide the focus for town centre, quayside and waterfront improvements; (f) social and community facilities, will be required to support new development including an expansion of educational capacity at primary and secondary levels and new and expanded sports and recreation facilities, including the hub site at Victoria Park; (g) deliver economic growth through capitalising on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Areas status; (h) new developments will meet their own infrastructure requirements and will contribute to sustainable movement into and around Bideford and Northam, including the promotion of public transport use and improved routes and facilities for cycling and walking. Improved capacity at the Heywood Road roundabout will also be required to accommodate increased traffic movements from Bideford and Northam; and (i) provision of enhanced Sustainable Drainage Systems on sites which fall within or feed into the Bideford 'Critical Drainage Area' and improvements to the Kenwith Flood Risk Defence Scheme.

Bideford West Urban Extension

(1) A site of about 71 hectares West of Bideford, between Abbotsham Road and Clovelly Road, as defined on Policies Map 2, is allocated to deliver a sustainable, high quality mixed use development that will be developed in a comprehensive manner and includes: (a) approximately 1,050 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing, of which approximately 1,000 are expected to be delivered in the plan period; (b) a mix of commercial and employment uses on about 5 hectares at Atlantic Park, provided on the basis of a low density, high quality development contained within a wooded area, which reflects the existing nature of the site and safeguards the wider landscape contribution provided by the former woodland; and (c) integrated social and community infrastructure, including a 420 place primary school with early years provision and a children's centre delivery base, with associated sports and play facilities and a mixed-use local centre providing a range of facilities. (2) This strategic extension will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles; (a) a landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets, providing accessible green infrastructure and strengthening a distinctive edge to Bideford; (b) enhanced on site management of surface water and drainage so as not to increase flood risk on the site and beyond and, as necessary, a contribution to improvements to the Kenwith Flood Defence Scheme; (c) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential and commercial areas; and (d) delivery of a transport strategy that includes: a vehicular route connecting Abbotsham Road and Clovelly Road, a separate access to the commercial development off Clovelly Road, a new access junction onto the A39 and highway improvement at the junction of A39 and Abbotsham Road.

Cleave Wood

(1) Land at Cleave Wood, extending to about 13 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 2, is allocated as a mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 250 dwellings including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes that reflects local needs; (b) health care facilities, including related car parking on a site of about 0.6 hectares; and (c) a neighbourhood community centre, including a Children's Centre base and satellite youth facilities. (2) The site will be comprehensively developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) the primary vehicular access provided from Manteo Way with a secondary access from Alverdiscott Road to the eastern element of the allocation; and (b) a wide belt of tree planting and other appropriate screening around Broomhayes and adjoining employment uses.

Land adjoining Manteo Way

(1) Land adjoining Manteo Way, extending to 17 hectares, as defined on Policies Map 2, is allocated for residential and associated development, that includes: (a) approximately 310 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing; and (b) a 2.5 hectare site for open space and recreation facilities. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) development to be carried out in a comprehensive basis; (b) landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets, providing accessible green infrastructure and strengthening a distinctive edge on the site's eastern boundary; (c) financial contribution to the cost of built sports facilities and multi-functional community facilities needed to serve the area; (d) access to be taken only from Manteo Way; and (e) a high quality of design that minimises use of the car, incorporating cycle and footpath links between, throughout and adjoining the site.

Site South of East-the-Water

(1) A site of about 34 hectares south of East-the-Water, as defined on the Policies Map 2, is allocated to deliver a sustainable, high quality mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 600 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing, of which approximately 430 are expected to be delivered in the plan period; (b) a 420 place primary school, including a nursery and a children's centre delivery base; (c) a hill top park; and (d) strategic planting along the site's southern and eastern boundaries. (2) The site will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles; (a) development to be carried out in a comprehensive basis in accordance with the requirements and provisions of an agreed masterplan; (b) integration of strategic landscaping and Green Infrastructure, including public open space, to integrate the development into its setting and mitigate its impact on the wider countryside; (c) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential, commercial areas and the Tarka Trail; (d) access from Gammaton Road, through junction improvements at Manteo Way; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, manages surface water runoff through water storage and sustainable drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding on the site and beyond at East-the-Water.

Land adjoining Caddsdown Business Park

(1) Land adjoining Caddsdown Business Park, extending to about 18 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 2, will be developed comprehensively to deliver a sustainable, high quality mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 8 hectares of land for economic development focused on BI, B2 and B8 uses as appropriate to the site and its wider context, ensuring that there is a mix of unit sizes to enable business start up and expansion; (b) approximately 130 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes that reflects local needs; and (c) an integrated highway network that incorporates: (i) the formation of a new east-west aligned vehicular link, as part of a wider distributor road through BID09 and extending to the site's eastern boundary; (ii) the provision of an extended spinal estate road for Caddsdown Business Park to service the new economic development; and (iii) the formation of a new junction onto Clovelly Road, providing access to the site from its north-eastern boundary. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) strategic landscaping measures to ensure the development respects the sensitivity of the existing landscape setting; (b) areas of green infrastructure providing opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and informal recreation; (c) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provides connections to neighbouring residential and commercial areas; (d) appropriate design and layout to ensure effective site use and co-existence of housing and economic development; and (e) noise mitigation measures as necessary to avoid a prejudicial impact on the future operation of businesses within and beyond the site.

South of Clovelly Road

(1) Land at Adjavin Farm, south of Clovelly Road, extending to 41 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 2, is allocated for residential and associated development, that includes: (a) approximately 700 dwellings including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes that reflects local needs; (b) integrated social and community infrastructure, including a neighbourhood community centre; (c) on site provision of sport and recreation facilities, including sports pitches adjoining Clovelly Road/Atlantic Village; (d) a vehicular link forming part of a wider distributor link to the south of Clovelly Road connecting with the Caddsdown Industrial Park Extension, allocated by Policy BID05; and (e) strategic planting along the site's southern boundary and western boundaries. (2) The site will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles; (a) a landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets, providing accessible green infrastructure and strengthening a distinctive edge to Bideford; (b) noise and odour mitigation measures as necessary to avoid a prejudicial impact on the future operation of High Park Farm; (c) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential and commercial areas; (d) vehicular access from Clovelly Road, the location and design of which will be achieved in conjunction with the development of Winsford Park and Atlantic Way, allocated by Policy BID01; and (e) provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by the development.

Bishop's Nympton Spatial Strategy

The community's vision is for continuing sustainable development in and around the village and that all parts of the parish will continue to be part of a living and working environment supporting the rural community together with the provision of appropriate affordable housing to enable younger residents to remain in the village. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 39 dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through existing commitments and one allocated site at Glebe Field totalling approximately 20 dwellings and a non-strategic housing site; (b) protection and enhancement of the character and appearance of the conservation area; (c) retention and enhancement of local facilities and services to meet locally generated needs; (d) support for additional employment development to meet locally generated needs; (e) improvements to the existing sewage treatment works; and (f) support for superfast broadband connections.

Glebe Field

(1) The Glebe Field, as shown on Policies Map 32, is proposed for residential development that provides approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) design, layout and access that respect the site's location within the conservation area, the setting of adjacent listed buildings and amenities of existing dwellings; (b) vehicular access from the village street; (c) retention of existing trees and boundary hedges and replacement of any hedges lost to secure an acceptable access; (d) adequate contribution towards addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development as a whole to proceed; and (e) pedestrian and cycle access from Glebeland Villas through the site to the village street.

Braunton and Wrafton Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Housing and employment growth to the south-east of Braunton and Wrafton will deliver a mix of high quality, sustainable family and affordable housing integrated with serviced employment land and key community infrastructure. Development will also make use of previously developed land and retain and improve access to community facilities for the villages that delivers a greater sense of self-sufficiency. The high quality built and natural environments of Braunton and Wrafton and their separate identities will be respected and managed. Braunton and Wrafton will become healthier and more accessible by improving traffic management to reduce congestion and improve air quality in Braunton village centre. An enhanced network of public footpaths and cycleways will link with the Tarka Trail and local beaches. Superfast broadband will support the growth of existing businesses and provide new employment opportunities, including through tourism with the provision of a Biosphere Reserve visitor centre. Effective cooperation with partners will deliver key services and facilities including through the community and voluntary sectors. The empowered community will make the most of its talents and leadership to deliver the vision, with all residents able to contribute to and participate in community life. The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Braunton and Wrafton. The spatial vision for Braunton and Wrafton will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 390 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of the communi

Wrafton South Eastern Extension

(1) Land between Wrafton and Chivenor (about 27 hectares), as identified on Policies Map 3, is allocated for a mixed use development including: (a) approximately 10 hectares of new land for economic development; (b) approximately 150 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (c) provision within the site, or financial contributions towards, physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The South-Eastern Extension will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide new serviced employment land for business and employment opportunities that facilitate growth of higher value sectors of the northern Devon economy; (b) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs and facilitating delivery of the serviced employment land; (c) create an active frontage along the southern boundary overlooking the Tarka Trail; (d) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of public open spaces, biodiversity networks and recreation facilities; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, incorporates sustainable drainage systems and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the locality. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the South-Eastern Extension will: (a) provide a new junction on the A361 to deliver the primary vehicular access to the development; (b) provide a new park and change facility close to the A361 junction to facilitate opportunities to use existing public transport links between Braunton and Barnstaple; (c) establish new footpath and cycleway access points onto the Tarka Trail; and (d) safeguard an opportunity for a future vehicular access to the land west of the site.

Wrafton Glebefield

A site of about 1.8 hectares at Wrafton Glebefield, as identified on Policies Map 3, is allocated for a residential development that includes: (a) approximately 50 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) vehicular access from Rectory Close Cross, incorporating improvements to the existing junction, together with the provision of a pedestrian crossing of the A361; (c) noise attenuation measures along the southern and eastern boundaries; and (d) contributions towards additional physical, social and green infrastructure within the town.

Land East and West of Staggers Lane

Land East and West of Staggers Lane (approximately 15 hectares), as identified on Policies Map 3, will be planned comprehensively to deliver a mixed-use development that includes: (a) approximately 220 dwellings on land east of Staggers Lane, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) approximately 2 hectares of employment land south of Perrigo for its future expansion; (c) vehicular access from an improved junction at Rectory Close Cross together with the provision of a pedestrian crossing of the A361; (d) noise attenuation measures along the northern, western and eastern boundaries of land east of Staggers Lane; (e) a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, incorporates sustainable drainage systems and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the locality; (f) enhancing the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of public open spaces and an enhanced biodiversity network; (g) new footpath and cycle access onto the Tarka Trail; (h) an opportunity being safeguarded for future vehicular access and/or pedestrian access to land east of the site; and (i) social and community facilities required to support new development including contributions towards the expansion of Braunton Academy and primary and early years provision.

Bradworthy Spatial Strategy

The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 44 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and two site allocations with a capacity for approximately 30 dwellings; (b) two additional housing sites within the development boundary; (c) seeking to retain existing services and facilities in the village; (d) support for the provision of services and accommodation for the elderly; (e) provision for additional sports and recreation facilities; and (f) additional employment provision.

Land North of Elizabeth Lea Close

(1) Land north of Elizabeth Lea Close, as shown on Policies Map 10, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 15 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, including affordable homes. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from Elizabeth Lea Close/North Road; (b) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedges on the site; and (c) a design and layout that respects the location of the site bounded by existing dwellings and on two sides by open countryside.

Land at Mill Road

(1) Land south of Mill Road, as shown on Policies Map 10, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 15 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, including affordable homes. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from Mill Road; (b) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedges on the site; and (c) layout and design that reflects the proximity of existing dwellings and commercial premises.

Bratton Fleming Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Bratton Fleming. The spatial vision for Bratton Fleming will be delivered through: (a) the provision of a minimum of 44 new dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents, dwellings under construction and a single site allocation; (b) an extension in the centre of the village to accommodate approximately 25 new dwellings; (c) accommodating additional housing on small scale sites (less than 10 homes) within or on the edge of the existing built area of the village in accordance with Policy DM23; (d) supporting the expansion of existing village and parish employment opportunities, and the introduction of new business activities; (e) securing an expansion of the school and pre-school and the provision of additional facilities at the Sports Club; (f) reducing traffic speeds in the centre of the village, in the interests of highway safety; (g) the protection and enhancement of the existing sports pitches; (h) accommodating additional cemetery provision if required; (i) supporting the retention and expansion of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community and visitors to the area including the provision of a community shop; and in all cases; and (j) ensuring the setting and character of the village is not harmed by any future development.

Land off The Glebe

(1) Land off The Glebe, as identified on Policies Map 11, is proposed for approximately 25 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) vehicular access via The Glebe, with additional pedestrian access to the public rights of way network via Old Rectory Lane; (b) protection of the trees on and bordering the site together with additional planting on the southern edge as an extension to the millennium green and community woodland; (c) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; and (d) enhanced landscaping along the northern and eastern boundaries.

Land West of Southfields

(1) Land West of Southfields, as shown on Policies Map 35, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from the highway to the north, with commensurate widening of the road along the entire frontage, to provide safe vehicular and pedestrian access; (b) a design and layout that respects the location of the site bounded by open countryside; and (c) retention and enhancement of existing boundary trees and hedgebanks.

Bishop's Tawton Spatial Strategy

The local community supports limited continued housing development in the village but is concerned about a range of issues including flooding, traffic levels, parking, local footpaths and loss of local facilities. Local priorities include provision of a new village car park, improvements to the village hall, a sports field, better footpaths, support for housing for local people, small business units and additional allotments. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 36 new dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and two site allocations at the former engineering works on Village Street and west of Exeter Road totalling approximately 20 dwellings; (b) support for development that would not exacerbate the risk of flooding in the village; (c) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (d) support for improvements to the village hall; (e) provision of a new village car park; (f) provision of an additional play area and allotments; (g) improvements to the existing sewage treatment works; and (h) support for a footpath / cycleway beside the River Taw and Tarka railway line.

Former Engineering Works, Village Street

(1) The site off Village Street, as shown on Policies Map 33, is proposed for residential development that provides approximately 5 dwellings, to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) design and layout that respects the site's location within the conservation area, the setting of adjacent listed buildings and amenities of surrounding dwellings; (b) retention and conversion of the former employment buildings and Reading Room; and (c) assessment and remediation prior to the commencement of development of any site contamination arising from previous uses.

Land off Exeter Road

(1) Land west of Exeter Road, as shown on Policies Map 33, is proposed for development that includes: (a) approximately 15 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of types and sizes to reflect local need; and (b) provision of additional community facilities including: (i) a new car park to serve the village; (ii) a contribution towards improvements to the village hall; and (iii) a pedestrian / cycle link between the A377 and the new strategic footpath/cycle link alongside the Tarka railway line. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) housing development to be located outside of the identified flood zone; (b) a design and layout that respects the location of the site adjacent the conservation area and safeguards the historic setting of the listed Law Memorial Almshouses, including long distance views of and from Tawstock Conservation Area; (c) a contribution to re-establishing functional flood plain alongside the river Taw; and (d) adequate contribution towards addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development as a whole to proceed.

Black Torrington Spatial Strategy

The community's spatial vision for Black Torrington is to meet local social and economic needs through modest growth with retained village services and facilities. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 5 dwellings, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community, the supply of housing will be delivered through a singe site allocation; (b) one additional housing site allocated within the development boundary at Long Cross Farm; (c) retaining the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; and (d) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land at Long Cross Farm

(1) Land and buildings at Long Cross Farm, as shown on Policies Map 34, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 5 dwellings, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from Bonfire Hill; (b) a design and layout that respects the location of the site bounded on three sides by open countryside; (c) retention of core farm buildings as part of an integrated scheme layout; (d) retention of mature trees and hedgebanks and the provision of additional planting to provide a landscaped development; and (e) development will be limited to the extent of the existing agricultural buildings.

Land off Meadow Park Drive

(1) Land off Meadow Park Drive, as shown on Policies Map 37, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a design and layout that safeguards the historic setting of the nearby listed building at Meadow House; (b) retention and enhancement of existing boundaries to minimise the impact of new development on existing dwellings; and (c) vehicular access from a single point on Meadow Park Drive.

Land Rear of Barnstaple Inn, 'Mayfair' and 'Cavok Cottage'

(1) Land to the rear of Barnstaple Inn, 'Mayfair' and 'Cavok Cottage' as shown on Policies Map 37, is proposed for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) an area for allotments of approximately 0.2 hectares. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) design and layout that conserves the setting of nearby listed buildings, the character and appearance of the adjoining conservation area and the character of the village centre; (b) provision of an additional substantial hedgerow along the northern and western boundaries to integrate the development into its countryside setting; and (c) vehicular access from both Barton Road and the Village Street.

Land South of Hayne View, Balls Corner

(1) Land to the south of Hayne View, Balls Corner, as shown on Policies Map 37, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) development along the village street reflecting the character of the village; (b) replacement of the frontage hedge lost to secure an acceptable access; (c) provision of an additional substantial hedgerow along the southern and eastern boundaries to integrate the development into its countryside setting; and (d) retention and enhancement of the public right of way that runs through the northern part of the site.

Chittlehampton Spatial Strategy

(a) provision of a minimum of 24 new dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation at Cobbaton Road to deliver approximately 20 dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) improved broadband coverage; (d) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; and (e) support for improved and additional recreation and community facilities to meet locally generated needs.

Land at Cobbaton Road

(1) Land off Cobbaton Road, as shown on Policies Map 39, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access to the Cobbaton road, replacing any hedgerows being lost; (b) an opportunity being safeguarded for future vehicular access to the land north of the site; (c) provision of an additional substantial hedgerow along the northern boundary to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape; and (d) design, layout and landscaping that minimises the impact of development on existing residential properties.

Chulmleigh Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Chulmleigh. The spatial vision for Chulmleigh will be delivered through: (a) the provision of a minimum of 162 new dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents, dwellings under construction and the allocation of two sites totalling 115 dwellings and a non-strategic housing site; (b) facilitating delivery of development to provide even, continuous growth to enable services and facilities to adapt and develop gradually; (c) supporting additional business development in accordance with the role of the town as a local centre; (d) diversifying the range of town centre services and facilities to meet local needs and support the role of the town; and (e) retention and enhancement of open space and recreation facilities.

Land off Leigh Road

(1) Land south of Leigh Road, as shown on Policies Map 13, is proposed for residential development that provides up to 95 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access direct from Leigh Road; (b) contribution towards improved access in to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists; (c) appropriate substantial landscaping on the southern and eastern boundary of the site to integrate it within its countryside setting and contribute towards biodiversity gains through enhancing the local biodiversity network; and (d) detailed design and landscaping that minimises the impact of development on existing properties in Leigh Road and Leigh Villas.

Land at Back Lane

(1) Land north of Back Lane, as shown on Policies Map 13, is proposed for residential development that provides approximately 20 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) release of the site in phases through the Plan period in response to the needs of the community; (b) structural planting along the northern boundary and a landscaping buffer along the eastern and western site boundaries; (c) vehicular access from Back Lane; (d) a safe and convenient pedestrian route through the site linking to South Molton Street; and (e) appropriate landscaping and screening on all boundaries to integrate the site within its countryside setting and contribute towards biodiversity gains through enhancing the local biodiversity network.

Clovelly/Higher Clovelly Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development, supported by necessary infrastructure, to meet the needs of Clovelly and Higher Clovelly. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 18 dwellings, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through a site allocation supplemented by acceptable new proposals; (b) one additional housing site allocated within the development boundary at Lower Burscott Farmyard, Higher Clovelly; (c) conserving and enhancing the historic character of Clovelly; (d) retention of existing services and facilities in the villages; (e) support for the provision of services and accommodation to meet the needs of the community's ageing population; (f) renovation of village hall at Higher Clovelly; (g) additional employment provision; and (h) giving great weight to conserving landscape and natural beauty in the consideration of proposal for development.

Land at Lower Burscott Farmyard

(1) Land at Lower Burscott farmyard, Higher Clovelly, as shown on Policies Map 41A, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from Burscott Lane to west of farmyard; (b) sensitive design specification that reflects Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status of the site and wider area; (c) the built form of the development should cover a similar footprint of the existing agricultural buildings without extending into the adjoining fields; (d) extensive landscaping on the southeast and northwest boundaries to enhance biodiversity and integrate the new development into the landscape; and (e) retention of existing mature trees and hedgerows.

Clawton Spatial Strategy

(a) provision of a minimum of 9 dwellings, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation. (b) support for the provision of a community centre, either through re-use of an existing building (i.e. the old Sunday School) or new build option associated with car parking and a village green; (c) encouraged reuse and enhancement of derelict sites in the village centre (i.e. old Sunday School and East Cottage); and (d) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land at Riverside

(1) Land at Riverside, as shown on Policies Map 40, is allocated for residential development that includes up to 9 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) housing located to the eastern part of the site; (b) vehicular access from a single point on the adjoining minor road; (c) provide the site for and contribute to the delivery of a village green; (d) a design and layout that respects the location of the site bounded on three sides by open countryside; (e) retention of existing mature trees and hedgebanks and provision of some additional planting to provide a landscaped development; and (f) pedestrian access to link with footpath network serving the village.

Land North of Rectory Road

(1) Land north of Rectory Road, as shown on Policies Map 14, is proposed for approximately 5 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a design and layout that respects the location of the site adjacent to the conservation area and safeguards the historic setting of the listed St Peter ad Vincula Church; (b) vehicular access from Park Lane including any necessary improvements to the existing public highway; (c) development should not result in the loss of car parking for the hall; (d) retaining and enhancing existing boundary trees and hedges to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape; and (e) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park.

Land North of Park Hills

(1) Land north of Park Hills, as shown on Policies Map 14, is proposed for approximately 6 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from Park Hills Road including any necessary improvements to the existing public highway; (b) retaining and enhancing existing boundary trees and hedges to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape; and (c) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park.

Rural Worker Accommodation

(1) Proposals for the provision of accommodation in the countryside for a rural worker will be supported where: (a) it can be demonstrated that there is an essential operational need for a full time worker to be resident at or near the place of work; (b) the size and nature of the development is such that it can be sustained by the scale of the operation, reflective of the location and setting and proportionate to the needs of the intended occupants; (c) the accommodation needs cannot be met by any other means including: (i) accommodation in a nearby settlement; or (ii) by an existing dwelling at or near the site; or (iii) through the conversion of a suitable redundant or disused building on site; and (d) appropriate highway access can be provided. (2) Where the enterprise is well established, of a sufficient size to support a full-time worker, economically viable and has clear prospects of remaining so, support will be given to the provision of a permanent new dwelling. (3) Where the enterprise does not meet the criteria set out to support the provision of a new permanent dwelling, the provision of temporary accommodation will be considered for an initial period of three years. (4) New accommodation provided for rural workers will be, and all existing dwellings at the rural business may be, subject to occupancy restrictions and, where it is felt appropriate by the Local Planning Authority, may be subject to a legal agreement tying its use to the specific rural business. (5) Applications for the removal of occupancy conditions or ties on dwellings for rural workers will only be permitted where there is compelling evidence to demonstrate that such a restriction is no longer justified.

Farmer Family Attached Accommodation

Provision of a self-contained residential unit for occupation by members of the farmer's family employed on the working farm will be supported, subject to: (a) the form, scale, setting and design of the proposal respecting existing development, its context, setting and surroundings; (b) the accommodation needs are unable to be met through the conversion of a suitable existing redundant or dis-used building on site; (c) the accommodation being commensurate in scale to the needs of the intended occupants; (d) the accommodation is attached to the main dwelling; and (e) a planning condition restricting occupancy to members of the farmer's family directly employed on the farm holding.

Sites for Traveller Accommodation

(1) Sites for traveller accommodation will be allocated within a separate North Devon and Torridge Traveller Site Allocations Development Plan Document. (2) Sites for traveller accommodation will be identified and planning applications will be supported, providing the sites meet all of the following criteria: (a) the development is commensurate and proportionate to the scale and nature of the nearest settled community; (b) it does not have an unacceptable landscape, visual or environmental impact; (c) it offers an acceptable level of amenity to prospective occupants and will have no significant detrimental impact to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers; (d) the site is located where occupants can gain reasonable access to local services and facilities including health and school provision; (e) it does not place undue pressure on local infrastructure and services; (f) the health and safety of occupants and visitors will not be at risk through unsafe access to the site, noise pollution or unacceptable flood risk; (g) adequate on-site provision is afforded for vehicle parking and manoeuvring along with appropriate storage space, ancillary facilities and residential amenity space; (h) the site is capable of being provided with essential services; and (i) the scale of employment activity is balanced to the residential component of the proposal. (3) Proposals seeking to deliver transit accommodation will be required to demonstrate that they offer adequate, safe and convenient access to the strategic highway network. (4) Proposals seeking to deliver accommodation for travelling show people will be required to offer adequate provision for the on-site storage, maintenance and testing of associated equipment.

Land at Aller Road

(1) Land north of Aller Road, as shown on Policies Map 15, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed to meet the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular and pedestrian access from Aller Road; (b) retention and reinforcement of existing boundary trees and hedges; (c) pedestrian access to Barfield Close; and (d) design and layout that ensures satisfactory impact on existing dwellings.

East Anstey Spatial Strategy

(1) The locally developed vision for the community includes a number of elements: (a) to reduce the average age of the population by the provision of affordable housing for young people with connections to the parish; (b) to provide small workshops for the development of local businesses; (c) to retain the primary school and pre-school to serve the village; (d) to retain a public house type facility; and (e) to develop community opportunities. (2) The local community supports appropriate beneficial reuse of the Blackerton site. (3) The spatial strategy for East Anstey will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 23 new dwellings, to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and one additional housing site in the village centre for approximately 3 dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements, including the provision of small workshops by conversion of suitable buildings; (c) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (d) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; (e) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities, including additional social and recreation facilities; and (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land at East Anstey

(1) Land opposite the Froude Arms, as shown on Policies Map 44, is proposed for approximately 3 dwellings with an emphasis on providing small dwellings to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) substantial planting on the western boundary to help integrate the site into its countryside setting; and (b) adequate off road parking to serve the development.

East Worlington Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 15 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and one additional housing site for approximately 5 dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention of the character of the village, its relationship with the surrounding countryside and protection of the local environment; (d) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities; (e) delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (f) reviewing the need for additional car parking to serve the village.

Land at Town Barton, East Worlington

(1) Land on the northern edge of East Worlington, as shown on Policies Map 45, is proposed for approximately 5 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) substantial planting on the northern and western boundaries to integrate the site into its landscape setting; (b) a single vehicular access; and (c) design and layout of development that reflects the character of the village.

Filleigh Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 12 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. This supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and one new housing site for approximately 10 dwellings adjacent to the village hall; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention of the special character and form of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (d) protection of listed buildings and their setting, and the character and appearance of Castle Hill historic park and garden including vistas within it; (e) maintenance of existing and provision of new village services and facilities, including additional recreation facilities; (f) support for appropriate improved vehicular access to the Caberboard factory; and (g) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land adjoining Filleigh Village Hall

(1) Land to the west of Filleigh Village Hall, as shown on Policies Map 46, is proposed for approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single access from the road through the village; (b) design and layout that protects the setting of the listed buildings at Paynes Cottages and minimises the potential impact on development from use of the adjacent village hall; and (c) substantial planting on the south and west boundaries to help integrate the site into its countryside setting.

Fremington and Yelland Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Fremington and Yelland. The spatial vision for Fremington and Yelland will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 426 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of the communities' housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure on a continuous basis during the Plan period between 2011 and 2031; (b) the re-development of Fremington Army Camp (as a contribution towards the provision of new dwellings) for approximately 277 new family dwellings and community facilities supported by required physical, social and green infrastructure; (c) the regeneration and re-development of Yelland Quay (as a contribution towards the provision of new dwellings) to deliver a high quality mixed-use development for approximately 250 dwellings, economic uses including opportunities for utilising the existing jetty and quay to provide supporting services and facilitate local supply chains; (d) enhancement of the environmental green buffer and protection of the open landscape character between Fremington, Yelland and the Taw-Torridge estuary in order to support local green infrastructure and biodiversity networks including protection of bird roosting areas adjoining the Site of Special Scientific Interest with improved access to the Tarka Trail; (e) provision of additional water storage areas within development sites compared to normal Sustainable Drainage System design in recognition that parts of Fremington and Yelland are within a Critical Drainage Area; (f) provision of superfast broadband connections; (g) support for initiatives that provide opportunities for new leisure and recreation facilities; (h) improved connectivity to Barnstaple through traffic management measures at Bickington and Cedars roundabout; (i) protection of the open land between Fremington and Bickington to help to maintain their separate identities; (j) delivery of economic growth through capitalising on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Areas status; (k) social and community facilities required to support new development including additional formal and informal open space, enhancement of the existing Fremington Medical Centre and education provision through the expansion of the existing primary and secondary schools and contributions towards new primary education and early years provision; and (l) support for initiatives to improve and mitigate against any harm to water quality in the estuary.

Fremington Army Camp

(1) Land at the former Fremington Army Camp, (about 14 hectares), as identified on Policies Map 4, is allocated for a comprehensive, sustainable mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 277 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will reflect local needs; (b) provision of sports pitches and a multi-use games area; and (c) provision of physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (b) safeguard the historic setting of the military buildings identified as heritage assets and retain their re-use for community uses and ensure protection of the character and appearance of the Conservation Area; (c) enhance the green infrastructure buffer along the eastern boundary alongside Fremington Local Nature Reserve; (d) enhance existing hedgerows along the northern and western boundaries; and (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, incorporates sustainable drainage systems and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the locality. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the development will: (a) include traffic management measures to deliver a safe access without an unacceptable impact on identified heritage assets; and (b) provide a footway and cycleway through the eastern part of the site between the Tarka Trail and Church Hill.

Yelland Quay

A site of about 30 hectares north of the Tarka Trail at Yelland Quay, as identified on Policies Map 4, is allocated for a high quality, mixed-use development that will deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) redevelopment in a comprehensive manner in accordance with an agreed master plan; (b) approximately 250 dwellings the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (c) approximately 6,000 square metres of economic development and community facilities, compatible with its waterside location including business development, tourism and leisure uses; (d) buildings and structures will be sited and designed in accordance with an agreed 'Design Code' to address their visual impact on the open landscape setting of the estuary and to avoid any harm to the protected biodiversity value of the Site of Special Scientific Interest and other designated habitats in the locality; (e) retention of the existing jetty and wharf and provision of associated operational land, including a safeguarded vehicular access to it; (f) provision of adequate flood alleviation measures with design and distribution of uses to minimise and mitigate against any risks from flooding; (g) assessment and remediation, prior to commencement of redevelopment, of any site contamination arising from historic uses; (h) contributions to and enhancement of the green infrastructure network within and adjoining the site including the provision of a new football pitch with associated facilities and provision of informal open space on the site of the former ash beds; (i) provision of a net gain in biodiversity through enhancement of existing habitats; (j) contributions towards a wider study on the potential impact of increased recreational pressure on the SSSI and nesting birds in the estuary; (k) provision of a public car park for users of the Tarka Trail; (l) improvements to the existing road junction with the B3233; (m) improved pedestrian and cycle links through and around the site and from the B3233 to the Tarka Trail; (n) appropriate traffic management measures where vehicular traffic crosses the Tarka Trail to reduce conflict with, and improve safety for, pedestrians and cyclists using the Tarka Trail; (o) provision of a 10 metre landscape buffer along the developable site frontage alongside the Tarka Trail; and (p) opportunities for the generation of renewable energy.

Goodleigh Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 20 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and two additional housing sites to the south of the village hall and at Northleigh totalling approximately 15 additional dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention and enhancement of the character of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (d) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities, including additional and replacement recreation facilities; (e) an increase in the capacity of the sewage treatment works; and (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land adjacent Village Hall, Coombe Cross

(1) Land adjacent the village hall at Coombe Cross, as shown on Policies Map 47, is proposed for development that includes: (a) approximately 10 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) open space and recreation facilities; and (c) a car park of approximately 20 spaces for community use. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) residential development on the northern part of the site outside of the identified flood zone; (b) a single vehicular access from the road through the village; (c) design and layout of development that reflects the character of the village; (d) provision of additional car parking close to the village hall; (e) provision of substantial landscaping on the southern edge of the residential development to integrate it into its countryside setting; (f) provision of green infrastructure including public open space on the southern part of the site incorporating connections to the footpath on the western boundary towards Coombe Farm County Wildlife Site; and (g) adequate contribution toward addressing any deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development to proceed.

Land off Northleigh Hill

(1) Land off Northleigh Hill, as shown on Policies Map 47, is proposed for residential development of approximately 5 dwellings, to meet local needs. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) design and layout that avoids any adverse impact on the amenities of nearby dwellings; (b) re-location of the existing sports field; (c) improvement of the existing access on to Northleigh Hill; and (d) development not being commenced until an alternative playing field has been provided elsewhere in the village.

Georgeham and Croyde Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 37 dwellings in Croyde to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation totalling approximately 15 dwellings on land off Croyde Road; (b) provision of approximately 17 dwellings in Georgeham, to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation for approximately 10 dwellings at Frogstreet Hill and a non-strategic housing site; (c) protection of the natural environment including the special landscape character and qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (d) protection of the character of the conservation areas and other distinctive character areas in the villages such as Leadengate in Croyde; (e) support for superfast broadband connections; and (f) support for the provision of additional primary school capacity to serve the parish.

Land off Frogstreet Hill, Georgeham

(1) Site at Frogstreet Hill, as shown on Policies Map 43, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of house types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) all buildings to be located outside the identified flood zone; (b) retention of existing trees and boundary hedges and replacement of the road frontage hedge lost to secure an acceptable access; and (c) design and layout that respects the location of the site and the character of the village.

Land off Croyde Road, Croyde

(1) A site off Croyde Road, east and west of Leadengate House, as shown on Policies Map 42, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 15 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of house types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) access from Croyde Road; (b) replacement of the frontage hedge along Croyde Road and reinforcement of existing boundaries with additional planting, particularly along the southern boundary with Somerthing Lane to provide an appropriate transitional boundary between the development and adjoining countryside; (c) design and layout that respects the location of the site, its landscape setting and the character of the village; and (d) protection of the amenities of adjoining dwellings.

Great Torrington Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Great Torrington will develop as a self sufficient local service centre with a vibrant, independent retail and employment offering. Great Torrington will be enhanced and promoted through tourism and leisure utilising its unique cultural heritage as well as the natural environment of the Commons. Its future will be supported through small to medium scale employment and housing development and the successful regeneration of key sites and buildings both within the historic town centre and urban fringe. A creative and dynamic community will be fostered through improved access to arts, culture and leisure facilities. The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development and supporting infrastructure to meet the needs within Great Torrington and its supporting area that will positively contribute towards the delivery of the spatial vision for the town whilst respecting the sensitive setting of the town in the landscape. Specifically, the Local Plan will support: (a) high quality, sustainable development secured in appropriate locations that maintain the integrity of the settlement's setting within the Great Torrington Common; (b) provision of a minimum of 632 dwellings, including affordable and supported homes, to meet all the communities housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure; (c) delivery of the housing requirement will be secured through redevelopment opportunities on brownfield sites within the town and modest urban extensions to the east and south; (d) expanded educational capacity provided by a new primary school and enhanced early years provisions; (e) additional employment land, approximately 4 hectares to the east of the Hatchmoor Industrial Estate, and the safeguarding of employment activity at the former abattoir site will enhance job opportunities for residents and limit commuting to larger settlements for employment; (f) regeneration opportunities will be actively pursued including at the former Creamery site to the south west of the town; (g) deliver economic growth through capitalising on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Areas status; (h) improvement and enhancement of the town's retail function; and (i) enhancement and promotion of the town's heritage and cultural assets, particularly within the Conservation Area, to meet the needs generated by residents and visitors.

The Former Creamery Site

(1) A site of about 6.9 hectares at the former Creamery site, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for comprehensive redevelopment that includes: (a) about 190 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) strategic recreation provision; and, (c) employment development that meets local needs. (2) The site will be developed on a comprehensive basis in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) development to be of a form, mix and layout that is sensitive to, and avoids harm to established adjoining and proposed new employment and recreation uses; (b) highway access to be achieved through the formation of new or improved junction(s) onto the B3227 and the provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by development; and (c) safeguarding of the route of Rolle Road; and (d) strategic landscaping measures to ensure the development respects the sensitivity of the existing landscape setting and adjoining biodiversity interest; and (e) delivery of enhanced and new connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure, through and around the site, including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities.

Hatchmoor Common Lane

(1) A site of about 7.3 hectares at Hatchmoor Common Lane, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for residential and educational development that includes: (a) about 140 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision for a 210 place primary school with early years provision and a children's centre delivery base. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) highway access to be achieved through the formation of new junction(s) onto Hatchmoor Common Lane and the provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by development; (b) areas of green infrastructure providing opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and informal recreation, including strong boundary treatment adjoining established and planned employment uses; (c) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; and (d) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and key employment areas including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around Great Torrington to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

Adjacent to Dartington Fields

(1) A site of about 2.7 hectares adjacent to Dartington Fields, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for residential and associated development that includes: (a) about 60 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) highway access to be achieved through the formation of new junction(s) onto the B3232 and the provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by development; (b) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; and (c) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and key employment areas including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around Great Torrington to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

North of Burwood Lane

(1) A site of about 2.5 hectares north of Burwood Lane, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for residential and associated development that includes: (a) about 60 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; and (b) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and key employment areas including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around Great Torrington to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

East of School Lane

(1) A site of about 3.6 hectares east of School Lane, as defined on Policies Map 5, is allocated for development that includes: (a) about 70 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) the primary highway access to be achieved through the formation of new junction(s) onto School Lane and the provision of off-site highway improvements as necessitated by development; (b) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; and (c) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and key employment areas including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around Great Torrington to reduce reliance on the private motor car.

Halwill Junction Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the parish that seeks to improve self reliance, improve sustainability and protect the natural environment while maintaining the strong village community and attractiveness of the area to live, work and visit. New development should be of a scale that addresses local needs, is preferably mainly to the north and east of the A3079 and retains the existing character of the area. Improvements in pedestrian and cycle safety, increased opportunities for sport and improved education and healthcare are also important. The spatial vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 30 dwellings including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and one additional site allocation with a capacity for approximately 25 dwellings; (b) identifying a site for additional housing, within the development boundary off Chilla Road; (c) considering the need for a limited number of suitable live-work units; (d) retaining employment premises and support for the provision of additional employment units at Station Road; (e) provision of additional recreation facilities including a bowling green, tennis court and cycling facilities; (f) support for the retention and improvement of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; and (g) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land East of Chilla Road

(1) Land east of Chilla Road, as shown on Policies Map 16, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; and (b) recreation provision to serve the village, which includes a bowling green and tennis courts. (2) The site should be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from Chilla Road; (b) deliver recreation facilities on the southern section of the site; (c) provide vehicular access to, and an appropriate car park for, the recreation facilities from Dreybury Lane in a manner that avoids the loss of mature trees; (d) provide safe pedestrian and cycle access from the residential development and the recreation development to Dreybury Lane, and between the residential and recreation area; (e) incorporate substantial landscaping on the northern boundary to enhance biodiversity and integrate the new development into the landscape; and (f) an acceptable impact on the setting of the Grade II* Listed Winsford Centre.

Hartland Spatial Strategy

The community has a vision for the village that supports a modest level of housing growth with a preference for land on the east side of the village and a pace of development that allows integration into the community. Self-build housing is supported, as is that to meet local needs, including for the elderly. A desire for all development to reflect the vernacular style is also recognised as important. In addition there is support for the protection of the attractive environment, which together with the surrounding working countryside is considered to be a key economic driver for the area. Retention and improvement of existing local services, facilities and employment opportunities are also of recognised importance. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 104 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and an allocated site; (b) identifying one site for housing to the east of Pengilly Way to accommodate about 40 new dwellings with additional potential being provided at Eastdown Park on the basis of the delivery of a landscape restoration focused scheme; (c) a footpath link between Hartland and Harton Cross; (d) retention of social and community facilities required to support existing residents and new development; (e) improved sports and recreation facilities to support existing residents and new development; (f) support for the creation of more appropriate employment opportunities and delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (g) giving great weight to conserving landscape and natural beauty in the consideration of proposals for development.

Land East of Pengilly Way

(1) Land east of Pengilly Way, as shown on Policies Map 17, is allocated for residential development that provides approximately 40 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need, including a proportion of plots for self build dwellings. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) provide a safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle link within the site between Pengilly Way and Harton Cross; (b) minimise the visual impact of the development when viewed from the north by means of layout, location and design of dwellings and appropriate substantial landscaping; and (c) maximise the retention of the mature trees and hedge along Fore Street/Harton Cross and enhancement of the biodiversity based on existing site features.

Land at Eastdown Park

(1) Land at Eastdown Park, as shown on Policies Map 17, is allocated for landscape restoration and housing. (2) Landscape restoration will: (a) occupy at least 50% of the site; (b) be primarily located on the northern portion of the site and on the site boundaries; (c) comprise woodland planting, reinforcement of existing and establishment of new hedgerows and parkland planting; (d) be undertaken as part of the initial phase of development; and (e) be accessible to the public. (3) Residential development will comprise approximately 20 units of a variety of sizes including opportunities for self build.

High Bickington Spatial Strategy

The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 95 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet a range of housing needs in a community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and 2 site allocations with a capacity for approximately 50 dwellings; (b) two additional housing sites within the development boundary at Little Bickington Lane and North Farm; (c) provision for a village car park and additional shop; (d) provision for a new primary school; (e) retention of existing and additional recreation facilities and amenity open space; and (f) support for additional employment provision to meet local requirements.

Land at Little Bickington Lane

(1) Land south of Little Bickington Lane, as shown on Policies Map 18, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (b) an area for use as allotments of approximately 0.2ha; and (c) a serviced site of about 0.6 ha for a doctor's surgery. (2) The site should be developed to meet the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from Little Bickington Road; (b) the site for the doctor's surgery to meet community requirements to be located close to the community centre; (c) the allotment area to be accessible from Little Bickington Road; (d) retention of existing boundary hedges and additional planting within and on the edges of housing areas to enhance biodiversity and integrate the development into the landscape; (e) a pedestrian link to Quarries Lane; and (f) a layout and design that provides an acceptable impact on the Conservation Area and the Grade I listed Church of St Mary.

Land at North Farm

(1) Land to the east of North Road, as shown on Policies Map 18, is proposed for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (b) a public car park to accommodate approximately 15-20 vehicles; and (c) premises for a shop to serve the needs of the village. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access from North Road, to the south of the Golden Lion public house; (b) the car park conveniently located for the services and amenities in the village; (c) the shop premises to be located on or close to North Road; (d) tree and hedge planting on the eastern boundary of the site; and (e) design and layout that minimises the impact of development on existing adjoining properties.

Lower Lovacott / Newton Tracey Spatial Strategy

Following consultation and discussion, the local community is satisfied with the existing facilities in and limited future development around the village. Meeting any confirmed additional affordable housing requirements in Newton Tracey rather than Lower Lovacott is preferred in view of the level of existing commitment in the latter. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 14 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and one additional housing site in Lower Lovacott for approximately 6 dwellings. Additional opportunities may be available within the development boundaries; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention of the character of the villages, their relationship with the surrounding countryside and protection of the local environment; (d) delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (e) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities.

Land South of Orchard Cottages, Lower Lovacott

(1) Land south of Orchard Cottages, Lower Lovacott, as shown on Policies Map 54, is proposed for approximately 6 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing small dwellings to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access through the existing road between Orchard Cottages; (b) retention and enhancement of existing boundary trees and hedges; (c) adequate off road parking to serve the development; and (d) adequate contribution towards addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development to proceed.

Chilsworthy Spatial Strategy

The community's spatial vision for Chilsworthy is to accommodate local housing needs through the development of modestly sized sites that will contribute to the retention of local facilities and the attractive rural character of the village. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 7 dwellings to meet the range of housing needs in the local community, the supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation; (b) utilising windfall sites within the defined development boundary to add to housing development opportunities; (c) one additional site for housing at land west of Meadowside, included within the development boundary; (d) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; and (e) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land West of Meadowside

(1) Land west of Meadowside, as shown on Policies Map 38, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 7 dwellings, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles; (a) vehicular access from the adjoining highway; (b) retention of existing mature trees and hedgebanks and provision of additional planting to provide a landscaped development; (c) substantial landscaping on the northern boundary to integrate the new development into the landscape; and (d) a design and layout that respects the location of the site bounded on two sides by open countryside.

Land South of Under Lane

(1) Land to the south of Under Lane (about 4.5 hectares) as defined on Policies Map 6, is identified for a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 90 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) provision within the site of physical infrastructure, community facilities and green infrastructure required by the development; (c) a new convenience retail food store along with associated parking facilities; and (d) a publicly accessible riverside park. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) development to be carried out in a comprehensive basis in accordance with the requirements and provisions of the endorsed site development brief; (b) development not to commence until a replacement livestock market facility is provided and operational; (c) vehicular access to be provided via the formation of appropriate new junctions onto Under Lane and the A388; (d) safeguarding of future highway access to potential future residential development on adjoining land to the west; (e) development proposals to preserve or enhance the adjoining Conservation Area, including its wider setting; (f) provision of an integrated package of strategic landscaping and green infrastructure, including public open space along and adjacent to the southern site boundary, to integrate the development into its setting and mitigate its impact on the wider countryside; (g) provision of a pedestrian friendly and permeable layout including access to, and along, the River Deer corridor at the southern boundary; and (h) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy.

Land between Rydon Road and Trewyn Road

(1) Land between Rydon Road and Trewyn Road, extending to about 10.5 hectares, as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 140 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; and (b) provision of a section of a distributor link road from Rydon Road onto the northern site boundary. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows and provision of strategic green infrastructure on the western part of the site and to the northern boundary to facilitate integration of the site into the wider landscape; (b) primary highway access from a new junction onto Rydon Road with secondary access onto Trewyn Road and Trewyn Park Road; (c) development proposals that avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts on the adjacent County Wildlife Site; (d) development proposals that are supported by a sustainable water strategy; and, (e) proposals that safeguard the opportunities for the future operation of the quarry located to the north west of the site.

Land between Dobles Lane and North Road

(1) Land between Dobles Lane and North Road, extending to about 2.2 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) provision of approximately 60 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) financial contributions towards off-site enhancements to recreation and sports provision; (b) vehicular access provided only onto the A388 (North Road) in a form appropriate to serve the residential development proposed under HOL05 and HOL06; (c) an enhanced entrance into Holsworthy Town on the A388 delivered through the development of HOL05 and HOL06; (d) pedestrian and cycle access onto Dobles Lane; and (e) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy.

Land East of North Road

(1) Land to the east of North Road, extending to about 3.9 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for residential development subject to: (a) provision of about 110 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy; (b) provision of green infrastructure across the eastern part of site that lies outside of the development boundary and delivery of a footpath linking the residential development to Waterloo Road; (c) an enhanced entrance into Holsworthy town on the A388 delivered through the development of HOL05 and HOL06; (d) primary vehicular access through the formation of a new junction onto the A388 of a nature appropriate to serve the residential development proposed under HOL5 and HOL6; (e) secondary vehicular access through the formation of a new junction onto the unnamed road fronting the northern boundary; and (f) development proposals that avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts on the adjacent County Wildlife Site.

Land off Menors Place

(1) Land off Menors Place, extending to about 0.7 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 6, is allocated for residential development including: (a) provision of approximately 15 dwellings, the type, size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) formation of vehicular access from Menors Place; (b) development form, mass, scale layout and design of a nature sympathetic to the existing residential development on Menors Place; (c) provision of footpath link from site to A388 via trackway at south-west corner of site; (d) financial contributions towards off-site enhancements to recreation and sports provision; (e) provision of green infrastructure across the eastern part of the site that lies outside of the development boundary and delivery of a footpath linking the residential development to Waterloo Road; and (f) incorporation of a sustainable water strategy.

Ilfracombe Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Ilfracombe. The spatial vision for Ilfracombe will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 1,429 dwellings, including affordable and extra care homes, to meet the range of the communities' housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure on a continuous basis during the Plan period between 2011 and 2031; (b) provision of new site allocations of approximately 935 dwellings and non-strategic housing sites of approximately 71 dwellings; (c) an urban extension to the south

Ilfracombe Strategic Southern Extension

(1) Land to the south of Ilfracombe, (about 63 hectares) as identified on Policies Map 7, will deliver a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 875 dwellings over two separate sites, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (i) approximately 750 dwellings on land at Channel, Winsham and Bowden Farms; and (ii) approximately 125 dwellings on land off Worth Road (Worth Meadows). (b) approximately 1 hectare of land for economic development; (c) a neighbourhood hub to include an additional 420 place primary school, medical facility and extra care housing scheme of approximately 50 bedspaces; (d) formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; and (e) provision within the sites for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The sites will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for Ilfracombe; (b) integrate new development within the existing landscape setting of the town enhancing its character, minimising impacts on the adjoining North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; (c) provide an appropriate transitional boundary between the development and adjacent countryside; (d) provide a neighbourhood hub that forms a focus to meet the community's needs, establishes a new 'gateway' into Ilfracombe and makes provision for new space for business opportunities as well as complementary services and facilities rather than replacing those available elsewhere, particularly in the town centre; (e) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal sport and recreation facilities; (f) safeguard land immediately to the south of the cemetery for a future extension to the existing burial ground; (g) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; and (h) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, incorporates additional water storage areas compared to normal sustainable drainage systems and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the town. (3) The transport and connectivity strategy for the southern extension, as supported by the Ilfracombe Transport Master Plan will: (a) establish a permeable and connected network of streets, footpaths and cycleways across the site that connect to and safeguard future linkages to adjoining parts of the town; (b) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and key employment areas including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around Ilfracombe to reduce reliance on the private motor car; and (c) contribute towards improving strategic access into Ilfracombe along New and Old Barnstaple Roads.

Land at The Shields/Fernway

A site of about 2.5 hectares at The Shields / Fernway, as identified on Policies Map 7, is allocated for a residential development that includes: (a) approximately 60 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) a new road through the site linking The Shields and Marlborough Road; (c) connections to the existing network of green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, public open space and enhancement of the biodiversity network focused around the cemetery; and (d) contributions towards additional physical, social and green infrastructure within the town.

Instow Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Instow. The spatial vision for Instow will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 38 new dwellings to meet the range of housing need in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and the allocation of three sites totalling 20 dwellings and two non-strategic housing sites; (b) maintaining the character of the village by appropriately designed and located development; (c) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community and visitors to the area; (d) capitalise on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Areas status; (e) provision of a children's play area to serve the village and retention of existing recreation and sports facilities; and (f) improved connectivity to Barnstaple through traffic management measures.

Land at Barton Cross

(1) Land at the junction of Anstey Way and Rectory Lane, as shown on Policies Map 19, is proposed for approximately 5 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) safe vehicular access that takes account of existing junctions from Anstey Way with Rectory Lane and Marine Parade and existing pedestrian crossing facilities; (b) protection and enhancement of existing hedges with wildlife or amenity value and additional planting on the southern and eastern boundaries to enhance biodiversity, integrate the development into its countryside setting and minimise the impact on existing development; and (c) no homes to be located adjoining Rectory Lane on land at risk of flooding and to protect setting and views of the listed St. John the Baptist Church from the northern edge of the village.

Land at Anstey Way

(1) Land at Anstey Way, as shown on Policies Map 19, is proposed for approximately 5 dwellings. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access from Anstey Way; and (b) substantial planting on the northern and eastern boundaries to enhance biodiversity, integrate the development into its countryside setting and minimise the impact on existing development.

Land North of Marine Parade

(1) Land at Marine Parade, as shown on Policies Map 19, is proposed for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 10 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local needs; and (b) open space including a children's play area. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) residential development on the southern part of the site; (b) a new equipped children's play area and amenity open space to serve the village; (c) pedestrian and cycle access to the Tarka Trail; (d) no homes to be located on land at risk of flooding; and (e) adequate measures to protect the amenities of users of the adjoining accommodation along the Tarka Trail.

Knowle Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the village that seeks to maintain its character and appearance for the benefit of residents, while adopting a positive approach to beneficial development well related to the village that addresses local needs. The surrounding landscape and local facilities are particularly valued and should be protected. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 26 dwellings to meet the range of needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation for approximately 20 dwellings on the former landfill site near Chalwells; (b) protection of the character of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (c) protection of local facilities within the village to meet locally generated needs; (d) extension of the Tarka Trail along the former railway line between Knowle and Willingcott; and (e) support for superfast broadband connections.

Land South of Chalwells

(1) Site south of Chalwells, as shown on Policies Map 50, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of house types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) no buildings to be located within an identified flood zone; (b) vehicular access from the junction with the A361; (c) retention and enhancement of existing tree and hedge planting particularly along the southern boundary adjacent to Knowle Industrial Estate; (d) design, layout and additional planting that minimises the impact of development on surrounding residential properties; (e) contributions towards completion of the gap in the Tarka Trail and strategic cycle network; and (f) provision of a footpath and cycleway links to the public right of way along the southern boundary to link to the route of the former railway line between Willingcott and Knowle.

Langtree/Stibb Cross Spatial Strategy

The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 31 dwellings to meet the range of housing needs in the local communities. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and two site allocations with a capacity for approximately 18 dwellings; (b) two additional housing sites within the development boundaries; (c) seeking to retain existing services and facilities in Langtree and Stibb Cross; (d) provision of additional sports and recreation facilities; (e) improving footpath/pedestrian links to main village services; and (f) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside.

Land West of The Crescent

(1) Land west of The Crescent, as shown on Policies Map 52, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from Fore Street; (b) retention of existing mature trees and hedgerows on perimeter boundaries and provision of additional planting to provide a landscaped development; (c) provide open space for allotments within the layout; and (d) a design that respects the location of the site bounded by existing dwellings and countryside to the south.

Land at the Former Cattle Market and Land to North

(1) Land at the former cattle market and north of, as shown on Policies Map 53, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 8 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; and (b) recreation open space to serve the village. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicular access from the highway on land to north of former cattle market; (b) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedges on the site; and (c) layout and design that reflects the proximity of existing dwellings.

Landkey Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 87 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and one site allocation totalling approximately 50 new dwellings on land to the south of Birch Road; (b) retention of a green buffer between Landkey and Swimbridge and protection of the open land between Landkey and the proposed development north of the A361 (Policy BAR01) to help maintain their separate identities; (c) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities including play and sporting facilities and provision of a new community centre; (d) support for improved public transport connections serving the village; (e) retention and enhancement of the historic character and appearance of the village and its relationship with the countryside and open spaces; and (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land South of Birch Road

(1) Land south of Birch Road, as shown on Policies Map 51, is proposed for approximately 50 dwellings, including affordable housing, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) vehicular access on to Birch Road; (b) retention and enhancement of existing boundary hedges including replacement of any road frontage hedge lost to secure an acceptable access; (c) protection of the amenities of adjoining dwellings; and (d) design, layout and landscaping that respects the location of the site and enhances the character of the village.

Merton Spatial Strategy

The community has a clear vision for the village to become an economically sustainable community able to support itself in many ways, with additional employment and a mix of population by age, creating a unique community with a strong sense of self and identity within the rural landscape. The community recognises the need for substantial new development to achieve this vision including accommodation for all sectors of the community. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 89 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community including for elderly persons. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and three site allocations with a capacity for approximately 80 dwellings; (b) three additional housing sites within the development boundary; (c) additional employment provision to meet local requirements, including appropriately controlled live-work units; (d) retaining the character of the village, its relationship with the countryside and its open spaces; (e) increase opportunities for recreation and tourism locally; and, (f) improve broadband and mobile phone coverage.

Land to the South of the Primary School

(1) Land south of the primary school, as shown on Policies Map 56, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 20 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) improvements to allow vehicular access along the minor road to the west of the site; and (b) substantial landscaping on the southern and eastern boundaries to integrate the new development into the landscape.

Site at Limers Lane

(1) Land east of Limers Lane, as shown on Policies Map 56, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 25 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) retention of existing boundary hedges and provision of additional landscaping on northern and western boundaries; (b) design and layout that provides acceptable impact on existing adjoining properties, including the adjacent and nearby listed buildings and reflects the location of the site in the conservation area; and (c) provision for pedestrian and cycle access, and emergency vehicular access, to Back Lane.

Land at Back Lane

(1) Land north of Back Lane, as shown on Policies Map 56, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 35 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (b) an area of approximately 0.5 hectare for economic development to provide for appropriate local business needs; and (c) an area for use as allotments of approximately 0.2 hectares. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) principal vehicular access from Back Lane; (b) pedestrian and cycle access and an emergency vehicular access, from the site of Policy MER02; (c) the area for economic development to meet local needs to be located at the eastern end of the site; (d) design and layout of all uses that provides acceptable impact on existing and proposed adjacent dwellings and reflects the location of the site adjoining the conservation area; and (e) provision of a substantial tree and hedge screen on the northern boundary.

Milton Damerel/Venn Green Spatial Strategy

The vision for the rural settlements will be delivered through: (a) provision of residential accommodation from any future commitments, including affordable homes, to meet housing needs in the local community; (b) integration of amenity open space/play area into a future development scheme; (c) promoting the retention of landscape character in development proposals; (d) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local communities. A development boundary for Milton Town and Venn Green is defined on Policies Maps 57 and 58, outside of which the principle of residential development is only supported on an exceptional basis.

Monkleigh Spatial Strategy

The community's vision for the village is to support limited growth in response to local needs having regard to the long-standing limitations of the local road network. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 10 dwellings to meet the range of housing needs in the local community; the supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation; (b) identifying a site for additional housing at land north of Barton Farm within the development boundary; (c) retain the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside; (d) a new open space/children's play area; and (e) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Land North of Barton Farm

(1) Land north of Barton Farm, as shown on Policies Map 59, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with a focus on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) provide vehicle access from adjoining highway frontage; (b) retain, as far as possible, existing trees and hedgerows on the site; (c) appropriate layout, design and landscaping that prevents unacceptable harm on the nearby Grade I listed Church and its setting and reflects the proximity of existing dwellings and historic character of the surrounding area; (d) provide safe pedestrian access from the residential area to the nearby primary school; and (e) an open space and play area located within the development site.

Woolacombe and Mortehoe Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Woolacombe and Mortehoe. The spatial vision for Woolacombe and Mortehoe will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 39 dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and new sites, although no additional site allocations are proposed; (b) protecting the important landscape setting of both Woolacombe and Mortehoe including the special landscape character and qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (c) protecting the natural and built environment within and adjoining the designated conservation areas; (d) safeguarding key tourist accommodation including the significant hotels; (e) increasing the range of employment opportunities locally; (f) providing appropriate housing to meet community needs; and (g) safeguarding local services and recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

North Molton Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of North Molton. The spatial vision for North Molton will be delivered through: (a) the provision of a minimum of 141 new dwellings to meet the range of need in the local community and provide additional community benefits. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and allocation of two sites totalling approximately 50 dwellings and a non-strategic housing site; (b) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; (c) maintaining the character and appearance of the village and its setting by appropriately designed and located development; (d) supporting the retention and expansion of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community and visitors to the area; (e) supporting improvements in highway safety in the vicinity of the school including provision of a safe pedestrian/cycle access between the school and the sports club; (f) improvements to the existing sewage treatment works; and (g) support for connection of the village to a mains gas supply.

Land off Back Lane

(1) Land off Back Lane as shown on Policies Map 20, is proposed for approximately 25 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local needs. (2) The site should be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) a design and layout that respects the location of the site adjacent to the conservation area and safeguards the historic setting of the listed Court House; (b) a safe and convenient pedestrian route through the site linking to the village centre; (c) retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows to protect the amenities of adjoining residential properties; (d) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; and (e) adequate contribution towards addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development as a whole to proceed.

Land at Old Road

(1) Land at Old Road as shown on Policies Map 20, is proposed for development to include: (a) approximately 25 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local needs; (b) community use of areas of strategic landscaping on the upper slopes of the southern part of the site; and (c) a safe and convenient pedestrian and cycle route through the development to the North Molton Sports Club. (2) The site should be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) strategic planting on the southern portion of the site; (b) vehicular access from Old Road; (c) enhancement of existing hedgerows; (d) safeguard the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; and (e) adequate contribution towards addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development as a whole to proceed.

Northam Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Northam will build upon its strengths taking advantage of its coastal location. Westward Ho! will be established as a thriving coastal resort and Appledore will develop further as a centre for maritime activities. The development of marine based industries and a quality tourism offer will contribute to re-balancing Northam's community and add economic value to the area. The three centres will continue to provide a range of services and facilities to meet locally generated needs and to accommodate the expanded needs of visitors to the area. Across Appledore, Northam and Westward Ho! a range of housing appropriate to local needs will be provided. Development will be supported by necessary infrastructure that will be delivered in a manner to minimise deficiencies against service capacity. In meeting the future growth needs of the area, development will be delivered without prejudice to valued environment and historic assets having due regard to the importance of the areas setting and landscape quality. The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable significant growth of high quality development which is supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Northam Parish. Achieved development will be delivered having regard to the settlements setting in the landscape and the special character of the area provided by a coastal location. Specifically, the Local Plan will support: (a) provision of a minimum of 1,916 dwellings to meet all the communities housing needs, including affordable and supported homes together with an expanded supply to meet the increasing needs of the area's ageing population, which will be supported with associated development and infrastructure on a continuous basis; (b) in addition to existing commitments, new site allocations, including capacity provided by previously developed sites, will be required to provide approximately 1,740 dwellings; (c) urban extensions to the south of Westward Ho! and Northam (as part of the provision of new site allocations) will accommodate significant levels of housing growth of approximately 1,240 dwellings that is supported by social and physical infrastructure; (d) employment will be supported by safeguarding and developing upon important economic resources, significantly in relation to Appledore Shipyard, port facilities and tourism assets; (e) deliver economic growth through capitalising on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Areas status; (f) support for key site regeneration and new site development in Westward Ho! that would positively contribute to the centre's role as a coastal resort and result in an extension of the tourism season, through securing improved access to the resort and qualitative improvements to facilities, attractions and visitor accommodation; (g) support for development at Northam Burrows that would improve the visitor offer through the provision of enhanced facilities and infrastructure; (h) avoidance of development that would contribute to coalescence between Appledore and Northam and the designated Green Wedge in Northam; (i) social and community facilities will be required to support new development and address established needs, including an expansion of education capacity and recreation and sports facilities; (j) new developments will meet their own infrastructure requirements and will contribute to sustainable movement, including improved routes and facilities for cycling and walking. Improved capacity at Heywood Road roundabout will also be required together with improvements to A39/B3236 junction to accommodate increased traffic movements from Bideford and Northam. Improved sea defences at Westward Ho! will also be pursued as necessary to address the consequences of climate change; and (k) development that respects the landscape setting including the special landscape character and qualities of the adjoining Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Daddon Hill Farm

(1) A site of about 32 hectares at Daddon Hill, as defined on Policies Map 8A, is allocated to deliver a sustainable, high quality mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 500 dwellings, providing a mix of housing types and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing and an Extra Care facility; (b) a 420 place primary school with an associated nursery and children's centre delivery base, located to maximise accessibility to the resident catchment; and (c) a neighbourhood community centre. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) development to be carried out in a comprehensive basis in accordance with the requirements and provisions of an agreed Master Plan; (b) vehicular access onto Buckleigh Road from Daddon Hill/Laundry Lane; (c) restricted vehicle movements along Daddon Hill/Laundry Lane which will become a Sustainable Transport Link; (d) highway improvements from and including the A39/Buckleigh Road to the site, including junction improvements at Silford Cross and at the junction of Buckleigh Road and the A39; (e) enhanced on site management of surface water and drainage so as not to increase flood risk on the site and beyond, including as necessary contributions to secure improvements to the Kenwith Flood Risk Defence Scheme; (f) strategic landscaping measures to ensure the development respects the sensitivity of the existing landscape setting; (g) integration of strategic landscaping and green infrastructure, including public open space, to integrate the development into its setting and mitigate its impact on the wider countryside; (h) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential areas.

Site Adjoining Pitt Hill (Appledore)

(1) Land adjoining Pitt Hill, extending to about 6 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 8B, is allocated for housing development that includes: (a) approximately 130 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing; and (b) as necessary the relocation of a Public Right of Way to support its contained presence through the site. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) development located and of a form that minimises any loss of landscape character of the surrounding area; (b) areas of green infrastructure providing opportunities for biodiversity enhancement and informal recreation focused to the south of the site within the coastal and estuarine zone; (c) vehicular access achieved from Wooda Road, by improvement to Pitt Hill and an access from Pitt Hill Road and the provision of a right hand turn from Churchill Way into Wooda; and (d) safeguarding an appropriate vehicular access extending to the northern boundary, to enable the future delivery of the adjoining site on land east of Churchill Way.

Land North of Clevelands Park

(1) Land north of Clevelands Park, of about 1 hectare, as defined on Policies Map 8A, is allocated for housing, subject to the following: (a) approximately 11 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including affordable housing. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets; (b) vehicular access to be provided only from Clevelands Park; and (c) development should be delivered to a relatively low density to reflect the character of the local area.

Land South-West of Heywood Road Roundabout

(1) Land to the south-west of Heywood Road roundabout extending to about 10 hectares and as defined on Policies Map 8A is allocated for housing that includes: (a) approximately 210 dwellings, providing a mix of housing type and size to reflect local need, including those of the area's elderly population through an extra care facility and affordable housing. (2) The site will be comprehensively developed in accordance with the following site specific development principles: (a) a landscape structure that builds on and enhances existing assets, including the retention of the wooded aspects of the site, which provides for an integration of required green infrastructure; (b) integrated pedestrian, cycle and public transport networks that provide connections to neighbouring residential areas; (c) vehicular access provided from Heywood Road; (d) retention of the contained Public Right of Way; (e) maintained integrity of the contained and adjacent listed buildings, including regard to the protection of their settings; and (f) enhanced on site management of surface water and drainage so as not to increase flood risk on the site and beyond, including as necessary contributions to secure improvements to the Kenwith Flood Risk Defence Scheme.

Parkham Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Parkham. The spatial vision for Parkham will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 15 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation; (b) support for the retention and improvement of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; (c) support for appropriate additional employment to address local needs; (d) retaining the character of the village and protection of the local and natural environment; and (e) improvements to highway safety.

Land South of Allardice Hall

(1) Land adjacent to Parkham village hall, as shown on Policies Map 60, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 15 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single access from Bableigh Road; (b) substantial landscaping on the western and southern boundaries to help integrate the development into the landscape; (c) appropriate design and landscaping on the northern boundary to ensure acceptable impact on existing and future uses; (d) adequate capacity in the sewage treatment works; and (e) an appropriate pedestrian link to the village centre.

Pyworthy Spatial Strategy

The local community is supportive of an appropriate scale of continuing sustainable growth and is concerned to retain the services that are available in the village and expand these where possible. There is considered to be a need to provide affordable housing to help retain younger people in the village. These issues will be addressed through: (a) provision of a minimum of 10 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through a single site allocation; (b) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; (c) support for appropriate additional employment to address local needs; (d) retaining the character of the village and protection of the local and natural environment; and (e) Improved broadband coverage.

Land adjacent to Pyworthy Village Hall

(1) Land adjacent to Pyworthy village hall, as shown on Policies Map 61, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) layout and access arrangements that safeguard appropriate vehicular access from Derriton Road to the northern boundary of the site; (b) substantial landscaping on the northern and eastern boundaries to help integrate the development into the landscape; and (c) appropriate design and landscaping adjacent the village hall to ensure acceptable impact on existing and future uses.

Rackenford Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 17 new dwellings, to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and three additional site allocations for approximately 12 dwellings on the eastern side of the village; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) improved broadband coverage; (d) retention and improvement of existing recreation and community facilities to meet a local need, together with provision of new allotments, a village car park and a community hall; (e) improved highway safety at the junction of Rackenford Cross and Old Bell Hill; (f) improved traffic management to the south of Coles Yard by restricting new access points and avoiding intensification of use of existing accesses; (g) infrastructure provision required to support future development will be prioritised over affordable housing delivery; and (h) the setting and historic character of the village and its relationship with the countryside not being harmed by any future development.

Land at Rackenford Cross

(1) Land at Rackenford Cross, as shown on Policies Map 62, is proposed for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 6 dwellings; (b) safety improvements to the junction at Rackenford Cross and Old Bell Hill; and (c) an area of up to 0.2 hectares for use as allotments. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access from the road through the village; and (b) retention and enhancement of existing boundary trees and hedges including provision of substantial landscaping along the eastern boundary.

Land at Prospect Farm

(1) Land at Prospect Farm, as shown on Policies Map 62, is proposed for approximately 3 dwellings to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) frontage development along the Village Street, reflecting local characteristics with further housing development; and (b) retention and reinforcement of existing boundary hedgerows including provision of substantial landscaping along the eastern boundary.

Land at Coles Yard

(1) Land at Coles Yard, as shown on Policies Map 62, is proposed for approximately 3 dwellings to reflect local needs. (2) The site will be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) improvements to the existing vehicular access from the Village Street; (b) retention and reinforcement of existing boundary hedgerows including provision of substantial landscaping along the eastern boundary; and (c) assessment and remediation prior to the commencement of development of any site contamination arising from previous uses.

Shebbear Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the parish that recognises the opportunities and limitations of its location. In summary the vision is to help Shebbear remain a place where people want to live, and where they can live peacefully and safely. It recognises that the community will need to be largely self sufficient, providing better employment opportunities for younger people and meeting the needs of an ageing local population. The spatial vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 28 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community, including the need to accommodate elderly and retired persons. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and one allocation with a capacity for approximately 30 dwellings; (b) identifying a site for additional housing, within the development boundary at Haycross Lane; (c) supporting the provision of a limited number of suitable live-work units; (d) retaining employment premises and support for the provision of additional employment units at Lake Workshops; (e) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community and retain the Local Centre status; and (f) improvements to local highways for convenience and safety and to local public transport to provide adequate access to Bideford, Holsworthy and Great Torrington for employment, education and shopping.

Land West of Haycross Hill

(1) Land west of Haycross Hill, as shown on Policies Map 21, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) approximately 30 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local needs; and (b) an area for the provision of up to 3 live-work units. (2) The site should be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) adequate vehicular access to Haycross Hill; (b) improved pedestrian links to the village centre; (c) assessment, and remediation prior to the commencement of development, of any site contamination arising from previous uses; (d) protection of all trees and hedges with wildlife or amenity value and additional planting within and on the edges of the site to enhance biodiversity, subdivide the development and integrate the new development into the landscape; (e) improvements to the sewage treatment works to enable the development to proceed; and (f) the live-work units should be located together and should: (i) be of a size and type to reflect local market demand, (ii) be controlled to ensure they remain a mixed residential/employment use; and (iii) provide identified business use on at least 25% of the floorspace (excluding parking areas).

Sheepwash Spatial Strategy

The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of residential accommodation, focused on meeting a range of community based housing needs; (b) support for the retention of existing and provision of additional, village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; (c) support for additional employment provision to meet local requirements; (d) retain the character of the village and protection of the local historic and natural environment; and (e) Improve broadband coverage.

South Molton Strategic Western Extension

(1) Land to the west of South Molton (about 42 hectares), as identified on Policies Map 9, will be developed comprehensively to deliver a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) approximately 890 dwellings, the size and tenure of which will be reflective of local needs; (b) formal and informal recreation facilities; (c) a new distributor road between North Road, Nadder Lane, the B3226 and Alswear Old Road; (d) a new primary school, early years' provision and a children's centre delivery base; and (e) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The residential development will be delivered as follows: (a) area 1 (north of Gunswell Lane) for approximately 250 dwellings including the historic setting of the listed buildings at Quince Honey Farm being safeguarded. (b) area 2 (between Gunswell Lane and Nadder Lane) for approximately 160 dwellings. (c) area 3 (south of Nadder Lane) for approximately 310 dwellings including pedestrian and cycle links into the adjoining developments of Nadder Meadow and Parklands. (d) area 4 (west of Exeter Gate and George Nympton Road) for approximately 170 dwellings including: (i) a new 420 place primary school, early years' provision and a children's centre delivery base to the west of Exeter Gate and south of the B3226; and (ii) pedestrian and cycle links from the primary school to the adjoining development off Alswear Old Road and the new sports hub (SM02). (3) The site will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for South Molton; (b) integrate new development within the existing landscape setting of the town and provide an appropriate transitional boundary with the a

South Molton Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Housing and employment growth at South Molton will promote greater self-sufficiency with increased support and improved access to community facilities for the town and its large rural catchment area. New development will be focused on the western side of town to deliver a mix of high quality sustainable family and affordable housing, employment, key community infrastructure and a new distributor road to reduce traffic congestion in the town centre. Expansion to Pathfields Business Park will support a diverse range of employment opportunities to capitalise on its proximity to the strategic road network. Relocation of the livestock market to the north of the town together with new associated industries will further develop the town as an agricultural business centre to serve North Devon. Community driven regeneration of the central car park area will facilitate expansion of the town centre to strengthen its retail provision and deliver tourism opportunities and key community infrastructure through high quality design that will capitalise on the town's built and cultural heritage. South Molton will become a more vibrant, healthy, prosperous, accessible town providing for the needs of all including provision of a new 'sports hub' linked to the community college, an enhanced network of public footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways, extension of the community woodland, superfast broadband and business support. Increased partnership working will deliver key services and facilities including through the community and voluntary sectors. The community will be empowered to make the most of its talents and leadership to deliver the vision. The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of South Molton. The spatial vision for South Molton will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 1,240 dwellings, including affordable and extra care homes, to meet the range of the communities' housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure on a continuous basis during the Plan period between 2011 and 2031; (b) provision of new site allocations of approximately 950 dwellings and non-strategic housing sites of approximately 50 dwellings; (c) an urban extension to the west of South Molton (as part of the provision of new site allocations) to accommodate approximately 890 new dwellings supported by required physical, social and green infrastructure; (d) provision of approximately 13.6 hectares of additional employment land to the east and west of Hacche Lane at Pathfields Business Park plus an additional 2.5 hectares for a new livestock market to strengthen the town's role as a vibrant business and employment centre; (e) expansion and enhancement of the town centre to strengthen the town's vitality and viability and reduce leakage of spend to other centres; (f) social and community facilities required to support new development including provision of a new primary school, site with the expansion of the existing infant school and junior school to become a primary school, provision of a children's centre delivery base, a new medical centre, new sewage treatment works, additional sports pitches, allotments and informal open space; (g) a new sports hub to the south of the Community College; (h) provision of a new distributor road through the strategic western extension securing enhancement of the town's transport infrastructure to reduce town centre congestion and optimising accessibility to jobs, shops and community facilities within and around the town; (i) provision of additional footpaths, cyclepaths and bridleway routes around the town towards providing an orbital route within an enhanced green infrastructure network; (j) improvements to highway safety for existing junctions on the A361; and (k) support for initiatives to improve and mitigate against any harm to water quality in the rivers and streams.

Spatial Development Strategy for Northern Devon's Main Centres

To meet the settlement housing targets set in Policy ST08: Scale and Distribution of New Development in Northern Devon, site allocations are provided at Policy ST06: Spatial Development Strategy for Northern Devon's Main Centres, defined settlements and at many Local Centres and Villages in the rural area. The allocations have been tested for deliverability and are subject to site specific policies. With respect to the non-strategic housing sites (see Appendix 5), development proposals will be considered having regard to all relevant Local Plan policies and will be expected to contribute to the delivery of the relevant settlement's spatial vision and development strategy. The Councils will work with landowners and developers to bring sites forward over the lifetime of the plan.

Scale and Distribution of New Development in Northern Devon

The approximate distribution of dwellings over the plan period, taking account of current commitments and allocations, is indicated in Policy ST08: Scale and Distribution of New Development in Northern Devon and detailed in Table 4.2. The distribution takes account of the following factors and is considered to provide a sustainable overall strategy: (a) town visions – the spatial vision for each settlement, reflecting future town specific roles, community aspirations and preferred directions and rates of growth; (b) rural areas – the accommodation of rural needs at the point of generation where delivery can be achieved to make communities more sustainable; (c) infrastructure delivery – existing infrastructure capacities both physical and social and the potential for growth to deliver infrastructure improvements; (d) growth aspirations for each settlement – the potential to deliver growth beyond existing needs through positive intervention, facilitating regeneration, housing and economic growth to achieve a town's vision; (e) employment opportunities – to achieve and support balanced development, allowing people to live and work in the same place; increasing employment opportunities in sustainable locations to accommodate economic growth, ensuring market attraction to the location of employment opportunities; and (f) availability of developable land – the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment indicates potential levels of development land that could accommodate residential growth, taking into account environmental constraints and site availability.

A Balanced Local Housing Market

Housing Scale and Mix (1) The scale and mix of dwellings, in terms of dwelling numbers, type, size and tenure provided through development proposals should reflect identified local housing needs, subject to consideration of: (a) site character and context; and (b) development viability. Specialist Housing Accommodation (2) Within development boundaries, or the principal built form of defined settlements without settlement boundaries, proposals for specialist housing accommodation will be supported where they: (a) meet an identified local need; (b) are proportionate in scale to the locality; (c) are located so they are accessible to local facilities; and (d) provide necessary ancillary facilities as part of the development, that complement locally available amenities and, where possible, be made available to the wider community.

Affordable Housing on Development Sites

(1) Affordable housing provision will be required on residential development proposals on the following basis, with the thresholds for the provision of affordable housing applied unless changed in national policy or guidance: (a) proposals for 11 or more dwellings, or for the provision of greater than 1,000 square metres (gross internal area) of residential floorspace irrespective of the number of dwellings, will be expected to provide on-site delivery of affordable housing equal to 30% of the number of dwellings (gross) on site; and (b) in rural areas designated under section 157 of the Housing Act 1985, including the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, proposals for 6 to 10 dwellings will be expected to provide a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value to providing on-site affordable housing equal to 30% of the number of dwellings (gross) on site. (c) If the requirement for affordable housing thresholds is removed from national planning policy or guidance then clauses (1)(a) and (1)(b) above will no longer have effect and all residential development proposals that provide for a net gain in open market housing will be required to provide affordable housing equal to 30% of the number of dwellings (gross) on site. (2) As part of residential development proposals, where vacant buildings are brought back into any lawful use, or are demolished to be replaced by new buildings, the affordable housing requirement for the proposal will be discounted by a proportion equivalent to the existing gross floorspace of the vacant buildings unless the requirement to do so is removed or moderated by a change in national policy or guidance. (3) Where a fraction of an affordable dwelling is required by policy, such provision will be collected through a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value to that which would have been required on-site. (4) Where the policy seeks on-site provision, alternative off-site delivery or provision through financial contributions of broadly equivalent value may be negotiated where it can be demonstrated that on-site provision is not possible or appropriate. (5) Negotiation to vary the scale and nature of affordable housing provision, along with the balance of other infrastructure and planning requirements, will be considered on the basis of a robust appraisal of development viability. (6) Where it is considered that a proposal is formulated with a view to circumventing affordable housing requirements, the affordable housing provision will be re-negotiated. (7) Affordable housing will be sought initially on the basis of a tenure mix of 75% social rented and 25% intermediate accommodation, although variation may be negotiated on the basis of identified local housing need and/or development viability. (8) Affordable housing provision should be provided broadly in-step with market housing as development delivery progresses, be visually indistinguishable from market housing and be intermixed with it across the site. Any proposed departure from these requirements will need to be robustly justified. (9) All affordable housing will be subject to arrangements to ensure that it or provision of broadly equivalent value remains available to eligible households in perpetuity. (10) Affordable housing will be subject to planning conditions, obligations or other legally defensible limitations to: (a) restrict occupation to households identified as being in need of affordable housing; and (b) in designated rural areas, give priority of occupation to households with a local connection.

Affordable Housing on Exception Sites

Proposals to deliver permanent affordable housing at Local Centres, Villages and Rural Settlements will be supported, subject to the following: (a) the site is well related to or adjoining the defined development boundary; or where the settlement is not subject to a development boundary, the site is well related to the extent of the contiguous built form; (b) the development is proportionate to the scale and nature of the existing settlement; (c) there is an identified local need for affordable housing sufficient to justify the extent and nature of the proposed development; (d) the housing need could not reasonably be satisfied without the exceptional release of land; (e) arrangements are in place to ensure that the affordable housing, remains available to the local community in perpetuity; (f) where it can be robustly demonstrated that an element of market housing is required to enable delivery of significant additional affordable housing, it will be supported provided that: (i) the element of market housing is the minimum amount required to enable the delivery of the proposed affordable housing; and (ii) the mix of open market dwellings, in terms of type and size, complies with the requirements of Policy ST17; (g) environmental and heritage assets are not subject to significant harm, are conserved or enhanced, with particular respect to the setting and special qualities of nationally important landscapes, biodiversity and heritage designations and the undeveloped coast; and (h) the use of planning conditions, obligations or other legally defensible limitations to: (i) restrict occupation to households identified as being in need of affordable housing; and (ii) give priority of occupation to households with a local connection.

Starter Homes Exception Sites

Proposals to deliver Starter Homes in the Sub-Regional Centre, Strategic and Main Centres, Local Centres and Villages will be supported on qualifying Starter Homes Exception Sites, subject to the following: (a) the site is located within the defined development boundary or, where the settlement is not subject to a development boundary, the site falls within the settlement's contiguous built form; (b) the site is demonstrably unsuited for its current or former use or cannot viably be used for its current or former purpose(s); (c) the mix of dwelling types and sizes reflects the identified housing needs of new entrants to the local housing market; (d) where it can be robustly demonstrated that a small proportion of market housing is required to enable delivery of the proposed Starter Homes, it will be supported provided that: (i) the element of market housing is the minimum amount required to enable the delivery of the significant majority of the site for Starter Homes; and (ii) the mix of open market dwellings in terms of type and size, complies with the requirements of Policy ST17; and (e) the use of planning conditions, obligations or other legally defensible limitations to: (i) restrict initial occupation to first time buyers who are below the age of 40 at the time of purchase; (ii) ensure that the initial sales value of each Starter Home is subject to at least 20% discount from the open market value; and (iii) ensure that any resale or letting of a Starter Home must reflect the discount from an open market value achieved at the initial point of sale for a period of 5 years following the initial sale.

Providing Homes for Traveller Communities

(1) Delivery will be pro-actively pursued to provide adequate and appropriate accommodation to meet the identified needs and demands of traveller communities in northern Devon whilst recognising their traditional and nomadic way of life and respecting the interests of the settled community. (2) During the period 2011-2031, provision to meet identified needs in northern Devon will be made to deliver: (a) at least 15 pitches for permanent traveller accommodation; and (b) at least 2 transit sites or emergency stopping places each providing for the accommodation of 4 or 5 pitches. (3) Where allocation offers the most appropriate mechanism for delivery, sites will be allocated through a Development Plan Document to provide an appropriate range of accommodation to meet the identified accommodation needs and demands of travellers across northern Devon. (4) Proposals for traveller accommodation will be supported where they will meet an identified need whilst respecting the principles of sustainable development and having regard to the interests of the settled community. (5) Existing authorised sites providing traveller accommodation will be safeguarded unless it is demonstrated that they are no longer required to meet identified need.

Managing the Delivery of Housing

The delivery of housing across northern Devon will be appraised through the annual local planning authority monitoring reports and the maintenance of an up-to-date and detailed housing trajectory. (1) If monitoring identifies that the number of dwelling completions across northern Devon in a monitoring year is less than 110% of the annualised dwelling requirement for that year, then the Councils will: (a) implement a review to identify and understand key issues that might be affecting housing delivery; and (b) engage proactively with development interests and work in partnership to remove barriers and facilitate the increased delivery of new homes. (2) If monitoring identifies that the number of dwelling completions across northern Devon in a monitoring year falls below 90% of the annualised dwelling requirement, and the housing trajectory for that year indicates that the rate would not recover to an average of at least 100% for the two subsequent monitoring years, then proposals for additional residential development outside of defined settlement limits will be supported where they are: (a) in a location and of a scale and nature commensurate to the deficit in required housing; (b) able to demonstrate the ability to contribute in a timely manner to addressing the deficit in housing supply; (c) broadly consistent with, not prejudicial to and contributing towards the positive achievement of the plan's overall spatial vision and strategy for northern Devon, along with the relevant settlement vision and development strategy; and (d) in all other respects in accordance with other Local Plan policies, in so far as they apply. (3) If monitoring identifies that it is not possible to demonstrate a five year supply of deliverable land for northern Devon, and there is no recovery of identified supply indicated for the two subsequent monitoring years, then a full or partial review of the Local Plan will be implemented.

Land to North of Sutcombe Primary School

(1) Land north of the primary school, as shown on Policies Map 67, is allocated for residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access from the village road; and (b) substantial landscaping on the western and southern boundaries to integrate the new development into the landscape and protect the amenities of existing development.

Land adjacent to the Parish Hall

(1) Land north of the village hall, as shown on Policies Map 67, is allocated for: (a) residential development that includes approximately 10 dwellings, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; and (b) a children's play area to serve the development and village. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) A joint vehicular access with the village hall, if possible; (b) Widening of the village road over the full frontage of the site; (c) Substantial landscaping on the eastern and southern boundaries to integrate the new development into the landscape; (d) Location of the childrens' play area in a safe and convenient location to serve the village; and (e) Appropriate design and landscaping adjacent to the village hall to ensure acceptable impact on existing and future uses.

Swimbridge Spatial Strategy

(a) provision of a minimum of 15 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and small scale new developments within the development boundary. There are no new sites allocated for housing; (b) support for additional employment provision in the village to meet local requirements and for the improvement of existing commercial premises; (c) retention of the local historic character of the village and its relationship with the countryside and open spaces; (d) support for maintaining and developing village services and facilities including play and sporting facilities; (e) support for improved public transport connections serving the village; (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (g) support for appropriate renewable energy schemes.

Tetcott Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 27 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through 4 additional site allocations within the development boundary with a total capacity of approximately 27 dwellings; (b) design and scale of development that reflects the existing characteristics of the village; (c) provision of a village green and village square; (d) provision of additional car parking to serve the village; (e) protection of the countryside setting of, and views from, the village; and (f) support for additional local services and employment.

Land at Tetcott

(1) Sites at Tetcott, as shown on Policies Map 69, are allocated for residential development that includes approximately 27 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The sites should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) Site west of Lower Lana (i) approximately 10 dwellings; (ii) vehicular access from a suitable new route through the site that links existing bordering public highways; and (iii) substantial boundary planting on the northern and eastern boundaries to help integrate the site into the countryside. (b) Site to the north of Lana Cottages (i) approximately 5 dwellings; (ii) a single vehicular access; (iii) provision of rear access and parking for Lana Cottages; and (iv) substantial boundary planting on the northern and western boundaries to help integrate the site into the countryside. (c) Site to the south of the Village Hall (i) approximately 7 dwellings; (ii) protection of the setting of the village piggeries buildings; (iii) acceptable impact on the setting of the listed building at Higher Lana Farmhouse; and (iv) substantial boundary planting on the southern, eastern and western boundaries to help integrate the site into the countryside. (d) Village centre site (i) approximately 5 dwellings; (ii) provision of a Village Green at the north western end of the site; (iii) provision of a Village Square in front of the village hall; and (iv) detailed design of dwellings and community facilities that protects the amenity of adjacent properties.

Umberleigh Spatial Strategy

The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) support for a limited number of new dwellings well related to existing dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention and conservation of the village's historic environment, heritage assets and character, and its relationship with the countryside; (d) support for additional recreation and social facilities to meet locally generated needs; and (e) improved broadband coverage.

Welcombe / Darracott Spatial Strategy

The local community supports equal opportunity for all residents and the provision of sufficient housing, including affordable housing, to meet the needs of the community over the Plan period to avoid further reduction in local population. The vision will be delivered through: (a) support for a limited number of new dwellings focused on affordable homes, to meet a range of housing needs in the community; (b) ensuring new residential development is well related to existing dwellings; (c) support for the establishment of a Community Land Trust to assist with the provision of affordable housing in Welcombe and Darracott; (d) retention of the character of the village(s), including its relationship with the countryside; (e) support for appropriate additional services, recreation facilities and employment to address local needs; and (f) giving great weight to conserving landscape and natural beauty in the consideration of proposals for development.

West Down Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the parish that seeks to capitalise on its many assets such as its location, character, the talents of its residents and above all community spirit. The community will overcome recent losses in services and facilities and become one that is so far as possible self-sustaining. The future availability of the open space at Chapel Meadow will be enjoyed by all parishioners and with an improvement in employment prospects, would increase the attractiveness of West Down as a place to live. In those circumstances the availability of affordable housing for local people and their children to enable them to remain in the parish will be an objective over the Plan period. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 21 dwellings to meet the range of needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions and a single site allocation for approximately 15 dwellings off Ilfracombe Hill; (b) protection of the character of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside; (c) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (d) support for improved and additional recreation and community facilities to meet locally generated needs; and (e) support for superfast broadband connections.

Land off Ilfracombe Hill

(1) Site off Ilfracombe Hill, as shown on Policies Map 72, is proposed for residential development that includes approximately 15 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of house types and sizes to reflect local need. (2) The site should be developed in accordance with the following specific development principles: (a) separate vehicular and pedestrian accesses from Ilfracombe Hill; (b) an opportunity being safeguarded for future vehicular access to the land south of the site; (c) enhancement of the existing hedgerows along the western and southern boundaries to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape; (d) design, layout and additional planting that minimises the impact of development on existing residential properties; (e) the historic setting of the listed building at The Old Vicarage being safeguarded; and (f) adequate contribution toward addressing deficiency in the capacity or performance of the sewage treatment works to enable the development to proceed.

Winkleigh Spatial Strategy

The local community has a vision for the village to become a more sustainable community, building on the existing variety of employment with all development contributing to a sense of place and quality of life, respecting the character of the area and providing an appropriate range of housing. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 60 dwellings, including affordable homes to meet the range of housing needs in the community with accommodation for elderly and retired persons and a variety of tenure. The supply of dwellings will be delivered through extant planning permissions and one additional site with a capacity for approximately 55 dwellings; (b) identifying one site for approximately 55 dwellings north of Chulmleigh Road; (c) securing high quality design and development that respects local distinctiveness; (d) supporting the local economy through appropriate expansion of existing businesses and safeguarding of existing business sites, considering the provision of live-work units and appropriate use of Winkleigh Airfield to enable wider than local employment needs to be met; (e) safeguard and enhance social and community facilities required to support existing residents and new development including recreation facilities, community centres and other village assets and healthcare provision; (f) protection and enhancement of natural and built environment assets; (g) provision of village parking facilities; (h) support for improved transport and other village infrastructure to meet existing and future needs, including transport links to Eggesford station; and (i) support for delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land North of Chulmleigh Road

(1) Land north of Chulmleigh Road, as shown on policies Map 22, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) up to 55 dwellings, including affordable homes, with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types and sizes to reflect local need; (b) a car park to serve the village centre with a capacity of approximately 20 cars; (c) a landscaped buffer zone to provide protection for the setting of the Court Castle ancient monument; and (d) a community woodland of approximately 0.6ha linked to existing tree cover bordering the north western side of the site. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following specific development principles: (a) a single vehicular access from the A3124 in a location that avoids the loss of mature trees; (b) no vehicular access to the village car park from Chulmleigh Road; (c) safe pedestrian and cycle access from Chulmleigh Road through the site and to the A3124, and between Kings Farm Lane (southern end) and the A3124; (d) the car park to serve the village centre to be provided as part of the initial development phase, at the southern end of the site, in a form that does not have adverse visual impact on the setting of the ancient monument and does not disturb any surface or sub surface archaeological interests; (e) the landscape buffer zone to be incorporated into the residential development and be located between housing and the village car park to be in place before first occupation of any dwellings; (f) provide an area of new tree planting to create community woodland covering the north western section with pedestrian access links from the site. Details of the woodland, including future ownership and management, will be agreed with the local planning authority; (g) retention of the mature boundary trees and appropriate new planting within and on the edges of the housing area to enhance biodiversity, subdivide the development and integrate the new development into the landscape, and, (h) investigation of the capacity of the off site public sewer network to enable the development as a whole to proceed and agreement of measures to resolve any issues, as part of the initial planning permission. (3) Specified infrastructure and community benefits, including variety of housing, will be secured by appropriate Conditions or Planning Agreements.

Land North of Chulmleigh Road

(1) Land north of Chulmleigh Road, as shown on policies Map 22, is allocated for residential development that includes: (a) up to 55 dwellings, including affo

Witheridge Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Witheridge. The spatial vision for Witheridge will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 81 dwellings to meet the range of housing need in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and a single site allocation for approximately 65 dwellings which reduces traffic impact on existing residents; (b) retention and enhancement of community facilities required to support existing residents and new development including a new pre-school building, elderly care provision and additional car parking within the village; (c) infrastructure provision required to support future development will be prioritised over affordable housing delivery; (d) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (e) initiatives that provide new opportunities for leisure and recreation facilities; and (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Land off Butts Close

(1) Land south of Butts Close, as shown on Policies Map 24, is proposed for residential development that includes: (a) about 65 dwellings with an emphasis on providing a mix of housing types, tenures and sizes to reflect local need; and (b) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The site will be developed to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) vehicular access from Fore Street (B3137) including traffic management measures on roads leading to the site; (b) an opportunity being safeguarded for future vehicular access to the land west of the site; (c) adequate contribution towards upgrading the foul and surface water sewers and sewage treatment works to provide additional capacity to enable the development to proceed; and (d) enhanced landscaping along the southern boundary to ensure the development is integrated into the landscape.

South Molton Strategic Western Extension

(1) A site of approximately 41.5 hectares west of the town, as identified on Policies Map 9, is allocated for residential-led mixed-use development that includes: (a) approximately 890 dwellings including a proportion of affordable housing; (b) a new distributor road between North Road, the B3226 and Alswear Old Road; (d) a new primary school, early years' provision and a children's centre delivery base; and (e) provision within the site for physical infrastructure, community facilities, and green infrastructure required by the development. (2) The residential development will be delivered as follows: (a) area 1 (north of Gunswell Lane) for approximately 250 dwellings including the historic setting of the listed buildings at Quince Honey Farm being safeguarded. (b) area 2 (between Gunswell Lane and Nadder Lane) for approximately 160 dwellings. (c) area 3 (south of Nadder Lane) for approximately 310 dwellings including pedestrian and cycle links into the adjoining developments of Nadder Meadow and Parklands. (d) area 4 (west of Exeter Gate and George Nympton Road) for approximately 170 dwellings including: (i) a new 420 place primary school, early years' provision and a children's centre delivery base to the west of Exeter Gate and south of the B3226; and (ii) pedestrian and cycle links from the primary school to the adjoining development off Alswear Old Road and the new sports hub (SM02). (3) The site will be developed in a comprehensive manner to deliver the following site specific development principles: (a) create a distinctive, safe, sustainable, high quality urban extension and new neighbourhood for South Molton; (b) integrate new development within the existing landscape setting of the town and provide an appropriate transitional boundary with the adjoining countryside to the north, south and west; (c) enhance and make connections to the existing network of local and strategic green infrastructure through and around the site including the provision of new footpaths, cycleways, public open spaces, wildlife corridors, formal and informal recreation facilities; (d) provide a mix of house types, tenures and sizes of open market and affordable homes contributing towards the identified local needs; (e) provide a sustainable water strategy that reduces water usage, incorporates sustainable drainage systems and does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere in the town or downstream; (f) connect to a new foul sewage treatment works at Ford Farm if required; and (g) provide social and community facilities required to support new development including contributions towards the expansion of South Molton Medical Centre. (4) The transport and connectivity strategy for the western extension of South Molton will: (a) provide a new distributor road between North Road and Alswear Old Road; (b) establish a permeable and connected network of streets, footpaths and cycleways across the site that connect to adjoining parts of the town and Pathfields Business Park; (c) facilitate connections for motor vehicles, cycles and pedestrians between the proposed development, the town centre and Pathfields Business Park including increased opportunities for public transport links and sustainable travel choices within and around South Molton to reduce reliance on the private motor car; (d) contribute towards an orbital footpath and bridleway route around the town; and (e) ensure there is no direct vehicular access eastwards on to Gunswell Lane.

Strategic Green Infrastructure Links

The strategic green infrastructure network within and around Barnstaple will be enhanced by providing: (a) improved footpath and cycle links to the Tarka Trail from Pottington, Sticklepath and Bickington; (b) a cross-town cycle route from the Tarka Trail (at Fremington) towards Landkey through Bickington, Roundswell, Larkbear, Newport, Whiddon Valley and Westacott; (c) a footpath link around the eastern side of Barnstaple between the Hospital and Westacott; (d) improved footpath and cycle links along the eastern side of the River Taw between Rock Park and the centre of Bishops Tawton; and (e) a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Taw between Anchorwood Bank and the town centre.

Telecommunications

Proposals for new or upgraded telecommunications equipment and installations will be permitted (where planning permission or 'prior approval' is required) where: (a) the telecommunications equipment and installation would not have a significant adverse effect on its landscape setting, landscape character, heritage and visual amenity by reason of its siting and design or as a result of cumulative impact with nearby development; (b) opportunities have been sought to share masts or sites with other providers and, where appropriate, the erection of antennae on existing buildings or other structures; and (c) the proposal conforms to the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, taking account where appropriate of the cumulative impact of all operators' equipment located on the mast/site.

Infrastructure

(1) Developments will be expected to provide, or contribute towards the timely provision of physical, social and green infrastructure made necessary by the specific and/or cumulative impact of those developments. (2) Where on-site infrastructure provision is either not feasible or not desirable, then off-site provision or developer contributions will be sought to secure delivery of the necessary infrastructure, through methods such as planning obligations or the Community Infrastructure Levy. (3) Developments that increase the demand for off-site services and infrastructure will only be allowed where sufficient capacity exists or where the extra capacity can be provided, if necessary through developer-funded contributions.

Barnstaple Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Strategic housing and employment growth on the southern side of Barnstaple will support the town's economy by attracting inward investment to deliver key infrastructure and strengthen the town's lead role as a vibrant and innovative Sub-regional Centre in commerce, culture, education and service provision for northern Devon. Barnstaple will develop as an exemplar of sustainable living to become a healthier, safer and more prosperous town with an attractive and inclusive environment that protects the town's historic character whilst capitalising on its built heritage. The town centre will be revitalised and expanded to promote a healthy and vibrant town centre to support its vitality, viability and economic prosperity, including a vibrant and diverse evening economy. Petroc will be expanded as a university level resource with links to local businesses to improve both skills level and business productivity with access to superfast broadband, workforce and business support and increased accessibility to training opportunities and expanded employment opportunities at Roundswell Business Park and Whiddon Valley. Housing and employment growth will deliver a mix of high quality, sustainable family and affordable housing integrated with new employment opportunities and key community infrastructure that promote greater self-sufficiency. Improved access to and dual use of community facilities will provide for the needs of all. Development will also prioritise the re-use of existing buildings and previously developed land whilst safeguarding these areas from the risks of flooding and protecting the green hills around the town. An enhanced network of green infrastructure including new public open spaces, public footpaths and cycleway links to the Tarka Trail will permeate the town. Traffic management and accessible public transport initiatives will retain and extend bus services to surrounding communities, improve the rail service to Exeter and beyond and reduce need for short journeys by private car. The historic town will capitalise on its built heritage, cultural assets, open spaces and wildlife habitats to promote healthier lifestyles, enhance its distinctive identity, maximise the potential of its waterfront and public spaces, retain and improve access to existing community facilities. Effective co-operation with partners will deliver key services and facilities including through the community and voluntary sectors. The empowered community will make the most of its talents and leadership to deliver the vision, with all residents able to contribute to and participate in community life. The Spatial Development Strategy Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable substantial growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Barnstaple and its surrounding area and to strengthen Barnstaple's role as a Sub-regional Centre. The spatial vision for Barnstaple will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 4,139 dwellings, including affordable and extra care housing to meet the range of the communities housing needs, with associated development and infrastructure on a continuous basis during the Plan period between 2011 and 2031; (b) provision of new site allocations of approximately 3,165 dwellings and non-strategic housing sites of approximately 153 dwellings; (c) strategic extensions to the south and south-east of Barnstaple (as part of the provision of new site allocations) to accommodate approximately 1,770 new dwellings supported by required physical, social and green infrastructure including a new primary school on each site; (d) provision of approximately 21.6 hectares of land for economic development that promote entrepreneurship in the town and deliver suitable start-up space for new businesses and grow-on space for existing businesses to relocate supported by required physical, social and green infrastructure; (e) redevelopment of previously developed sites including those at risk of flooding where effective flood management can reduce the extent and severity of flood risks both on site and elsewhere in the Taw estuary; (f) enhancement of existing flood defences and associated flood risk mitigation measures to help realise the potential for appropriate development of sites at risk of flooding; (g) expansion of the town centre to enhance the town's vitality and viability and strengthen its role as a Sub-regional Centre for retail, commercial, community, leisure and cultural activities; (h) expansion of Petroc as a university level resource with improved links to local businesses to improve both skill levels and business productivity within northern Devon; (i) economic growth through capitalising on enhanced levels of assistance offered by the Assisted Area status; (j) provision of accessible natural green spaces to enhance the green infrastructure network adjoining the Taw estuary to deliver a net gain in biodiversity and provide betterment in addressing flood risks by reducing rates of surface water runoff; (k) provision of additional strategic footpaths and cycle routes through and around the town to extend the green infrastructure network and improve opportunities for sustainable modes of travel and healthy living; (l) protection of the green hilltops around the town that contribute to Barnstaple's setting and character and retention of the open land between the town and surrounding villages to help maintain their separate identities; (m) provision of additional sport and recreation facilities, including opportunities for water sports along the Taw estuary; (n) improvements to capacity at existing road junctions along the A39 and A361; (o) social and community facilities required to support new development including enhanced primary and secondary provision through delivery of new schools and the expansion of existing schools and improved early years and youth provision within Barnstaple; (p) provision of additional water storage areas within development sites to the east and west of the River Taw compared to normal sustainable drainage system design in recognition that the southern half of Barnstaple is within a Critical Drainage Area; and (q) support for initiatives to improve and mitigate against any adverse harm to water quality in the rivers and estuary.

Bridgerule Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development that is focused on meeting local economic and social needs and which is supported by necessary infrastructure. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 31 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the local community; the supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and a single site allocation with a capacity for approximately 10 dwellings; (b) one additional housing site allocated within the development boundary; (c) additional and extended recreation facilities at the Vinnicombe Park playing field; (d) retained employment opportunities and support for additional workspace to support local business development at Merrifield Cross; and (e) the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community.

Bucks Cross Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality minimal development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Bucks Cross. The vision for the village settlement will be delivered through: (a) provision of residential accommodation from any future commitments, including affordable homes, to meet housing needs in the local community; (b) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; and (c) giving great weight to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in considering proposals for development.

Burrington Spatial Strategy

The local community vision for the village and parish is that it retains its viability and vibrancy, maintaining and developing the range of facilities and accommodating additional young people and families in the area to allow the continuation of the primary school and pre-school. To help achieve this vision, the local community accepts the need for a significant amount of additional family housing and housing for younger people as well as additional employment opportunities. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 59 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and three additional housing sites for approximately 50 dwellings; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet local requirements; (c) retaining the character of the village and its relationship with the countryside and open spaces; (d) maintaining and developing village services and facilities; (e) improvements to the existing sewage treatment works; (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (g) supporting improved public transport connections serving the village.

Combe Martin Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Combe Martin. The spatial vision for Combe Martin will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 48 new dwellings to meet the range of need in the community, and encouraging the use of vacant properties. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and allocation of two sites totalling 11 dwellings; (b) safeguarding the dark night skies over Exmoor National Park; (c) protecting the important landscape setting of Combe Martin including the special landscape character and qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; (d) protecting and increasing local employment opportunities, encouraging small local businesses and protecting tourism facilities; (e) developing the seafront area in a manner sympathetic to its heritage and landscape importance and improving the quality of bathing water at Combe Martin beach; (f) development of additional sporting facilities, particularly at Hollands Park, and developing the network of public rights of way; (g) provision of an extension to the cemetery; (h) protection and enhancement of structures associated with the former silver mining activity in the area; and (i) enhancement of superfast broadband connections.

Planning Enforcement

Unauthorised development will be investigated by the Local Planning Authority, acting proportionately to the scale of the suspected breach of planning control. Enforcement action will be taken where it is appropriate to do so and in the public interest.

Dolton Spatial Strategy

The community's spatial vision for the Local Centre is that it should: sustain and enhance local services, facilities and amenities, protect the natural and built environment and provide suitable housing for all sectors of the community. The vision will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 45 dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet the range of housing needs in the community, including sheltered housing. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant consents and an additional housing allocation together with a contribution from a community use focused scheme; (b) one additional housing site within the development boundary; (c) seeking to retain and improve existing services and facilities in the village; (d) supporting the provision of suitable employment sites and activities within the village, including appropriate live-work units; (e) retaining features of local distinctiveness wherever possible; (f) providing a car park for the village hall and for general use of village; (g) delivery of superfast broadband connections; and (h) supporting accessible healthcare provision for local people.

Holsworthy Spatial Vision and Development Strategy

The Spatial Vision Holsworthy will build upon its strong agricultural heritage to develop as an agricultural hub and centre of excellence that is innovative, enterprising and adds value to this important rural employment sector. This will act as a catalyst for economic prosperity offering improved employment and enhanced education opportunities for residents of the town and the surrounding rural communities. The town will continue to be a focus in the rural south-west of northern Devon for employment opportunities, bolstered by an expanded range of employment provision in and around the town to meet the needs of both new and existing companies. It will build upon its position as a successful market town, to thrive in its role as an important service centre, becoming more self-contained and offering a range of services and facilities appropriate to support both its own population and the surrounding rural communities which rely upon it. In doing so it will become an attractive destination for visitors, drawn by a strong, vibrant and attractive town centre and good connectivity to the surrounding countryside. An appropriate range of housing, in accessible and well integrated locations, will be provided so as to meet the needs of the town's changing population whilst accepting its responsibility to also accommodate some of the needs of surrounding rural communities where these cannot be met elsewhere. The town's built heritage and sensitive landscape setting will be protected, recognising that this character helps to define the town, whilst interventions and regeneration will be supported to achieve townscape improvements and deliver enhanced gateways to the town. The Spatial Development Strategy (1) Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable a modest scale of high quality development and supporting interventions in and around Holsworthy which positively contribute towards the delivery of the spatial vision for the town whilst respecting the sensitive setting of the town in the landscape. Specifically, the Local Plan will support: (a) provision of a minimum of 670 new dwellings including affordable and supported homes

Shirwell Spatial Strategy

The community's strategy is to enable sustainable and acceptable growth in the settlement that meets a local need, including the need for affordable housing, but has minimal landscape impact. The spatial strategy will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 8 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the local community to be delivered through extant planning permissions, with no new sites allocated for housing; (b) support for additional employment provision to meet locally generated requirements; (c) retention of the character of the village and its relationship with the surrounding countryside and open spaces; (d) protection of listed buildings and their setting, and the character and appearance of Youlston historic park and garden including key vistas; (e) maintenance and development of village services and facilities; and (f) delivery of superfast broadband connections.

Principles of Sustainable Development

(1) When considering development proposals the Councils will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Councils will always work proactively with applicants and local communities to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. (2) Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and where relevant with policies in Neighbourhood Plans) will be approved unless material considerations indicate otherwise. (3) Where there are no policies relevant to an application, or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision, then the Councils will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise, taking into account whether: (a) any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or (b) specific policies in that Framework or guidance in the National Planning Practice Guidance indicate that development should be restricted.

Spatial Development Strategy for Northern Devon's Rural Area

Development will be supported, in accordance with the following hierarchy, to achieve an economically resilient and active rural area. Development in Schedule A and B settlements will be enabled: within development boundaries and on allocated sites defined on the Policies Map, and within the principal built form of settlements without development boundaries. (1) Local Centres, defined in Schedule A, will be the primary focus for development in the rural area; development will be supported in accordance with the local spatial strategies, to enhance the sustainability of the locally important service centres and to enable wider than local needs to be met. Schedule A: Local Centres: Torridge: Bradworthy, Buckland Brewer, Dolton, Halwill Junction, Hartland, High Bickington, Shebbear, and Winkleigh. North Devon: Bratton Fleming, Chulmleigh, Combe Martin, Fremington and Yelland, Instow, North Molton, Witheridge, and Woolacombe. (2) Development in Villages, defined in Schedule B, will be enabled in accordance with the local spatial strategy to meet local needs and growth aspirations. Schedule B: Villages: Torridge: Abbotsham, Ashwater, Beaford, Black Torrington, Bridgerule, Bucks Cross, Chilsworthy, Clawton, Clovelly / Higher Clovelly, Langtree, Merton, Milton Damerel / Venn Green, Monkleigh, Parkham, Pyworthy, Sheepwash, St Giles on the Heath, Stibb Cross, Sutcombe, Tetcott, Welcombe / Darracott, and Woolfardisworthy. North Devon: Atherington, Berrynarbor, Bishop's Nympton, Bishop's Tawton, Burrington, Chittlehampton, Croyde, East Anstey, East Worlington, Filleigh, Georgeham, Goodleigh, Kentisbury / Kentisbury Ford, King's Nympton, Knowle, Landkey, Lower Lovacott / Newton Tracey, Mortehoe, Rackenford, Shirwell, Swimbridge, Umberleigh, and West Down. (3) In Rural Settlements which contain at least one prescribed service or community facility, appropriately located development of a modest scale will be enabled to meet locally generated needs. (4) In the Countryside, beyond Local Centres, Villages and Rural Settlements, development will be limited to that which is enabled to meet local economic and social needs, rural building reuse and development which is necessarily restricted to a Countryside location.

St Giles on the Heath Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development to meet local social and economic needs, supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of St Giles on the Heath. The spatial vision for St Giles on the Heath will be delivered through: (a) provision of residential accommodation, focused on affordable homes, to meet a range of housing needs in the local community; (b) support for the retention of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; (c) support for additional employment provision to meet local requirements; (d) retain the character of the village and protection of the local and natural environment; and (e) improve broadband coverage.

Sutcombe Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Sutcombe. The Parish Plan identified a good sense of community within the parish and appreciation of the landscape and tranquil location. The lack of public transport, limited facilities and no children's play area were identified as concerns. The community has identified the need to provide a range of dwelling sizes to secure a more balanced local population and encourage local economic and environmental sustainability. The community's aspiration will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 23 new dwellings, including affordable homes, to meet a range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning consents and 2 new site allocations with a combined capacity for approximately 20 dwellings; (b) support for appropriate additional services and employment to address local needs; (c) provision of a children's play area in conjunction with housing development; and (d) retaining the character of the village and it's countryside setting.

Woolfardisworthy (Woolsery) Spatial Strategy

Over the period to 2031, the Local Plan will enable growth of high quality development supported by necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of Woolsery. The spatial vision for Woolsery will be delivered through: (a) provision of a minimum of 14 new dwellings to meet a range of housing needs in the community. The supply of housing will be delivered through extant planning permissions supplemented by acceptable new proposals within the development boundary; (b) support for the retention and improvement of village facilities and services to meet the needs of the local community; (c) support for appropriate additional employment to address local needs; (d) retaining the character of the village and protection of the local and natural environment; and (e) support for improved public transport services and measures to reduce car use.

Spatial Development Strategy for Northern Devon's Sub-regional, Strategic and Main Centres

Development will be supported within the development boundaries of the Sub-regional, Strategic and Main Centres, as defined on the Policies Map in accordance with the following hierarchy: Definition Torridge North Devon Settlement Status Barnstaple will be the focus for future growth in northern Devon. Significant levels of development will be accommodated in Barnstaple consistent with its scale and strategic importance as a service and employment centre, leading to increased self-containment to meet its own needs and those of the surrounding area. Barnstaple Sub-regional Centre Bideford will provide a focus for housing and employment development. Significant levels of development will be accommodated in Bideford consistent with its scale and its complementary role to Barnstaple. Sustainable development opportunities will be secured to increase self-containment and achieve balanced development to enable the town to meet its own needs and those of the surrounding area. Bideford Strategic Centre The Main Centres will support appropriate levels of growth that will increase the towns' capacities to increase self-containment, to meet their own needs and those of surrounding communities where such is sought through the local vision. Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Braunton and Wrafton, Northam (inc. Appledore and Westward Ho!) Main Centres Ilfracombe, South Molton

Tourism and Leisure Attractions

(1) Development of new, and the expansion or rationalisation of existing tourism, visitor or leisure facilities will be supported within or adjacent to defined settlements located outside the Coast and Estuarine Zone and within the Developed Coast where: (a) the scale of the proposal is appropriate to the size of the settlement; and (b) there will not be an unacceptable impact upon: (i) the local road network; nor (ii) identified environmental and heritage assets; and (c) any rationalisation would facilitate the retention or improvement of the remaining tourism, visitor or leisure facilities. (2) Elsewhere, within the Undeveloped Coast and in the Countryside beyond the Coast and Estuarine Zone, development of new or the expansion or rationalisation of existing tourism, visitor or leisure facilities will be supported where: (a) the location is justified; (b) existing buildings are reused or converted wherever feasible; (c) the local road network can accommodate the type and scale of traffic to be generated and maintain the safety of public highway users; (d) it is designed to respect and enhance the key characteristics of the relevant landscape character types; and (e) environmental and heritage assets are not subject to significant harm, and are conserved or enhanced, with particular respect to the setting and special qualities of nationally important landscapes, biodiversity and heritage designations.

Tourism Accommodation

(1) Development of new, and expansion or rationalisation of existing tourism accommodation will be supported within the Sub-regional, Strategic, Main and Local Centres where it: (a) improves the quality or increases the diversity of northern Devon's tourism offer; (b) is located and designed to protect and enhance the character and setting of the settlement; and (c) any rationalisation would facilitate the retention or improvement of the tourism accommodation. (2) Outside the Sub-regional, Strategic, Main and Local Centres, the development of new and the expansion or rationalisation of existing tourism accommodation will be supported where it: (a) is related directly to and compatible in scale with an existing tourism, visitor or leisure attraction; or (b) reuses or converts existing buildings; or (c) improves facilities for or diversifies the range or improves the quality of existing tourism accommodation; and in all cases: (d) the scale and character of the proposal is appropriate to the size of the existing settlement or tourism attraction; (e) the local road network can accommodate the type and scale of traffic to be generated and the safety of public highway users is maintained; (f) is designed to respect and enhance the key characteristics of the relevant landscape character types; (g) identified environmental and heritage assets are not subject to significant harm, are conserved or enhanced, with particular respect to the setting and special qualities of nationally important landscapes, the Undeveloped Coast, biodiversity and heritage designations; and (h) protects and enhances the setting and special qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides an overall environmental enhancement when assessed throughout a year. (3) Applications for the removal of occupancy conditions on holiday accommodation will only be permitted where: (a) it is capable of being occupied permanently without need for major extension or alteration; and (b) there is compelling evidence to demonstrate that such a restriction is no longer justified.

Town and District Centres

(1) To increase Town and District Centre viability and vitality, development proposals for retail, leisure, commercial, office, tourism, cultural, community and residential development will be supported within defined Town and District Centre boundaries subject to satisfactory regard to (2) and: (a) the retention and enhancement of the Town and District Centres historic character; (b) the proposed development being readily accessible by sustainable transport modes; and (c) the effective use of upper floors is maintained or secured. (2) Within the Town and District Centres, the retail function will be safeguarded and enhanced. Development and change of use of ground floor premises to alternative uses will be supported unless: (a) the Primary Shopping Area's character is undermined through the loss of key retail opportunities or the resultant fragmentation and isolation of the remaining shops; (b) within Primary Frontages, defined on the Policies Map, the proportion of units in A1 use is below or would fall below 60%; (c) within the Primary Shopping Area the proposal would harm the vitality or viability of the town centre where the overall proportion of units in A1 use is below or would fall below 50%; and (d) there would be a detrimental effect on the visual character and amenities of the surrounding area.

Development Outside Town Centres

(1) For applications relating to main town centre uses in the towns of Barnstaple, Bideford, Great Torrington, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Northam and South Molton a sequential approach to proposals for main town centre uses will be applied on the following preferential basis: (a) Town or District Centre (b) Edge of Town or District Centre (c) Out of Town or District Centre (2) Edge of centre and other out of centre proposals must be well connected to the Town or District Centres and accessible by public transport, walking and cycling. Proposals must also demonstrate that no suitable alternative sites are available in a sequentially preferable location. (3) On the edge of or outside Town and District Centres, proposals for new shops of more than 250 square metres (gross) retail floor area, or extensions to existing shops which will increase their size by more than 250 square metres (gross) retail floor area, must be accompanied by an impact assessment in accordance with national policy requirements.

Local and Rural Shops

(1) Within development boundaries, or within the principal built form of Policy ST07 identified settlements without development boundaries and within Rural Settlements, the development of individual shops or small groups of shops to serve neighbourhood or village needs will be supported provided that: (a) it is of a scale and location appropriate to serve the shopping needs of the local community; (b) the operation of the retail unit(s) would not be detrimental to the amenity of neighbouring residents; and (c) the local highway network can accommodate additionally generated traffic and the safety of public highway users is maintained. (2) In the open countryside proposals for small scale retail development, which are ancillary to the main function of an existing enterprise will be supported provided that: (a) the location and scale of the development would not harm the vitality and viability of Town or District Centre or village shopping facilities; (b) the development would not lead to an unacceptable impact on the local road network; and (c) there would not be an unacceptable adverse impact to the character and appearance of the countryside or historic environment. (3) The change of use of local shops will be supported provided that: (a) there is suitable alternative or replacement provision in the locality; or (b) it is demonstrated that the business is no longer viable and cannot reasonably be made so.

Westward Ho! - Core Tourist Area

(1) In the coastal resort of Westward Ho! proposals will be supported for: (a) tourist development that improves the attractiveness of the resort for both visitors and residents; and (b) other appropriate development that would maintain the tourist character of the resort. (2) The Core Tourist Area, as defined on Policies Map 8A, will be retained primarily for tourism purposes. (3) Key tourist sites within the defined Core Tourist Area, which may contribute to the character of the resort, will be safeguarded and retained for complementary retail, leisure or entertainment use. (4) Development that would diminish the tourist character of the resort will not be permitted.

Queen Street / Bear Street

Land between Queen Street and Bear Street, of approximately 4 hectares as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for the expansion and enhancement of the town centre to deliver a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) a mix of retail and other town centre uses that support the vitality and viability of the town centre; (b) safe and accessible pedestrian linkages through the site between Boutport Street, Queen Street and Bear Street, including improved connectivity with existing shopping frontages on the High Street, Boutport Street and with Barnstaple Bus Station; (c) provision of a short-stay car park, together with secure cycle parking, adequate service provision and traffic management measures; and (d) enhancement of the area's built heritage including the special character and appearance of the Barnstaple Town Centre and Ebberly Lawn Conservation Areas.

Bideford Regeneration Sites

Regeneration and revitalisation of the town centre will be supported through schemes on the following sites, as defined on Policies Map 2, that will be delivered in a comprehensive manner: (a) East-the-Water Wharfs - a mix of housing, leisure and retail uses to improve connectivity with Bideford West and secure an active and attractive waterfront use; (b) the former Livestock Market – an extension to existing leisure and recreation facilities supported by an improved public car parking facilities; (c) the Pill – providing a range of commercial and leisure facilities supported by an at least maintained level of public car parking; bringing together a disparate range of uses to increase the areas use and attraction; (d) Bridge Street Car Parks – residential focused development with retail uses and maintained levels of public car parking, improving the intensity of site use and encouraging movement to the Pannier Market area of the town; (e) New Road (North) - development that results in an enhancement to the southern gateway to Bideford, and (f) New Road (South) - development that results in an enhancement to the southern gateway to Bideford.

Harbour / Seafront Tourist Area

(1) Proposals for new leisure, tourism, commercial, maritime and recreation development will be supported in the Harbour and Seafront Tourism Area, as shown on Policies Map 7, where they: (a) conserve and enhance the area's built heritage, street scene and the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area; (b) retain and enhance the open character and landscape quality of the Seafront Area and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and (c) do not prejudice the achievement of pedestrian priority in the area. (2) Land at Ilfracombe Harbour, identified as the Inner and Outer Harbour, will be safeguarded for harbour related uses that require a quayside location, subject to: (a) retaining necessary access to the quay for service and commercial vehicles; and (b) a high standard of design that respects the heritage and historic character and appearance of the quay and harbour area.

Westward Ho! - Core Tourist Area

(1) In the coastal resort of Westward Ho! proposals will be supported for: (a) tourist development that improves the attractiveness of the resort for both visitors and residents; and (b) other appropriate development that would maintain the tourist character of the resort. (2) The Core Tourist Area, as defined on Policies Map 8A, will be retained primarily for tourism purposes. (3) Key tourist sites within the defined Core Tourist Area, which may contribute to the character of the resort, will be safeguarded and retained for complementary retail, leisure or entertainment use. (4) Development that would diminish the tourist character of the resort will not be permitted.

Westward Ho! - Tourism and Recreation Sites

Revitalising and enhancing the tourism role of Westward Ho! will be supported through the delivery of a range of schemes that deliver tourism and/or recreational facility enhancements, on the following sites, as allocated on Policies Map 8A: (a) Pebbleridge Terrace Car Park, subject to replacement/retention of parking; (b) Westbourne Terrace Car Park; (c) The Triangle, Promenade and Amusement Arcade north of Springfield Terrace; (d) Wilkey's Field; and (e) Village Green and Nelson Road Car Park.

South Molton Town Centre

Land to the rear of South Street and Broad Street of approximately 3.5 hectares, as shown on Policies Map 9, is identified for the expansion of the town centre in a comprehensive manner to deliver a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development that includes: (a) additional retail floorspace and additional leisure and community facilities; (b) pedestrian and cycle linkages through the site to the town centre; (c) additional car parking provision, together with secure cycle parking; (d) comprehensive environmental enhancement, traffic management and service provision; and (e) enhancing the area's built heritage and the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Town and District Centres

(1) The role of Barnstaple as a strategic retail and cultural centre will be sustained and enhanced to achieve qualitative and quantitative improvements through investment on town centre strategic sites. (2) In line with the retail hierarchy the vitality and viability of the town centres of Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Ilfracombe, Great Torrington, Holsworthy and South Molton, as defined on the Policies Map, will be protected and enhanced by focusing development proposals for retail, leisure, office and cultural facilities within defined town centres and through the positive management of regeneration measures. (3) Employment, residential, community and health services, leisure and tourist facilities, attractive spaces and a balanced night life will be encouraged within the town centres and environs to achieve a mix of facilities and active town centres. (4) In District Centres, as defined on the Policies Map, development will be supported where it would enhance viability, vitality and self-containment and where it would be proportionate to the role and function of the settlement. (5) In all Policy ST06 and ST07 defined settlements and Rural Settlements, locally important shops, services and community facilities will be protected from loss and new provisions encouraged where appropriately scaled.

Sustainable Tourism

High quality tourism development that promotes a year round industry will be supported. Tourism growth should be sustainable and should not damage the natural or historic assets of northern Devon.

Highways

(1) All development must ensure safe and well designed vehicular access and egress, adequate parking and layouts which consider the needs and accessibility of all highway users including cyclists and pedestrians. (2) All development shall protect and enhance existing public rights of way, footways, cycleways and bridleways and facilitate improvements to existing or provide new connections to these routes where practical to do so.

Lynton and Barnstaple Railway

(1) Land east of Pilton Causeway, as shown on Policies Map 1, is identified for a station to serve a reinstated railway line between Lynton and Barnstaple that includes: (a) provision of a locomotive shed, platform, ticket office, car parking and ancillary facilities and buildings; and (b) enhancement of the area's built heritage including the special character and appearance of the adjacent Barnstaple Town Centre and Pilton Conservation Areas. (2) The route identified for the reinstated railway line, as shown on Policies Map 1, is safeguarded from development that would prevent or jeopardise its delivery. Operational buildings and platforms alongside the reinstated railway line will reuse original or existing buildings and structures where feasible and viable.

Former Bideford to Appledore Railway

In association with landowners, voluntary organisations, the Highway Authority, and other interested parties, Torridge District Council will seek the establishment of a trail, following where possible the route of the former Bideford to Appledore Railway from Northam Road to Westward Ho!

Parking Provision

(1) Development proposals will be expected to provide an appropriate scale and range of parking provision to meet anticipated needs, having regard to the: (a) accessibility and sustainability of the site; (b) availability of public transport; (c) provision of safe walking and cycling routes; and (d) specific scale, type and mix of development. (2) Proposals must encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport through careful design, layout and integration to the existing built form.

Safeguarded Pedestrian and Cycle Route

The route, as defined on the Policies Map, is safeguarded for the existing and future provision of a trail.

Transport Strategy

(1) Provide good strategic connectivity by: (a) ensuring the operational effectiveness of the strategic road network (A361 and A30) and other strategic routes including the A39, linking the area to the national road network (M5 and A30) and to Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall; (b) maintaining the function of the wider strategic road network serving northern Devon; (c) improving journey times and service quality on the Barnstaple-Exeter rail line linking northern Devon to Exeter and the wider rail network; (d) improving the strategic routes towards Ilfracombe along the A399 from Aller Cross and the B3230 from Barnstaple; (e) maintaining the function of Bideford as a commercial port and developing enhanced harbour facilities, including at Ilfracombe to support any future ferry service and operational hub for any future off-shore renewable energy schemes; (f) safeguarding routes and exploring opportunities for the reuse and reinstatement of former railway lines; (g) maintaining and enhancing the function and connectivity of the public rights of way network within northern Devon including the completion of the gap in the Tarka Trail between Willingcott and Knowle; and (h) locating freight generating development and local freight handling facilities close to the strategic road / rail network or Bideford port. (2) Meet the needs of local communities and visitors to the area by: (a) providing transport infrastructure that facilitates the delivery of proposed strategic extensions for housing and employment development and facilitates economic regeneration; (b) developing quality public and community transport networks (and supporting infrastructure) within and between Barnstaple and Bideford and the networks linking these centres to northern Devon's main towns and rural communities where viable; (c) improving overall accessibility of northern Devon by providing a wide range of integrated practical and attractive travel options and improving interchanges for transfer between modes of travel; (d) developing quality strategic recreational routes and local pedestrian, cycle and bridleway networks and further integration and enhancement of the public rights of way network; (e) protecting and enhancing the function and safety of the road network; and (f) recognising transport impacts from the seasonal nature of traffic in northern Devon. (3) Reduce the environmental and social impacts of transport by: (a) reducing the need to travel by car and enabling alternative sustainable travel options as supported by the Local Transport Plan; (b) improving transport connectivity between rural communities and the main towns where viable; (c) requiring a Transport Assessment or a Transport Statement and a Travel Plan for developments that generate significant traffic movements; (d) actively managing car parking provision through type, capacity and charging to influence demand patterns; (e) developing traffic management schemes in the main towns; (f) maximising safety on transport networks through improvements to physical infrastructure design whilst conserving historic environment assets; (g) ensuring that access to new development is safe and appropriate; and (h) protecting the landscape character and ecological interest along the main and minor route(s).