New Business Units Approved for Devon Industrial Estate

Nine new business units are slated for an industrial estate in Devon, notwithstanding existing concerns regarding flooding and traffic. Devon and Cornwall Farmers (DCF), having secured planning permission in principle in 2019, has already completed the construction of three properties at Beacon Park, situated near Dartington. Planners from South Hams District Council (SHDC) reviewed the specifics of the third phase, encompassing the nine units and 161 parking spaces, during a recent meeting. The committee members were informed that DCF had already contributed £6,000 towards enhancements for road safety and the establishment of a wildlife corridor surrounding the business units. It was also noted by members that Dartington Parish Council expressed opposition to the proposals, asserting that they would adversely affect local residents and the road network, especially the back lanes. Conversely, nine individuals submitted letters of support, stating that the project would generate employment opportunities in Totnes and provide advantages for residents of a new housing development in Dartington. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, a member of the SHDC development management committee, characterized the situation as “planning creep”. She further elaborated that an increase in concrete and buildings heightened the flood risk at Bidwell Brook, a watercourse already experiencing strain from recent development. Councillor Guy Pannell commented that the committee had limited alternatives but to endorse the plans, given that permission in principle had previously been granted. He expressed being “deeply disappointed” that the scheme’s design had evolved into a “more monolithic” form, featuring units that were more fragmented and included less soft landscaping than initially put forward. Councillor Bernard Taylor voiced his support for the site’s plans. He stated: “Should we be allowing people to get on the roads and travel to Plymouth when we have an already-developed site to provide some employment for all the new residents? It will help our climate emergency.” Specific conditions attached to the planning consent prohibit the operation of refrigeration units on lorries between 23:00 GMT and 19:00 GMT. Furthermore, these conditions restrict lorries from making deliveries to or dispatches from the site during this identical timeframe.