Following a recent planning appeal decision at Great Torrington, Devon, a shortfall in the supply of new homes has been identified which has created a window of opportunity for landowners.

The appeal relates to land off Caddywell Lane/Burwood Lane, Great Torrington, Devon, and an outline planning application that was refused by Torridge District Council.

The application was for the erection of up to 181 dwellings, together with associated infrastructure work.

The planning inspector upheld the appellant’s appeal and granted planning permission.

The appeal was based upon the council’s five-year housing land supply. Torridge District Council, together with North Devon Council, issued a joint 5-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement dated 19th November 2019 stating that they had a 6.4-year housing land supply of deliverable sites for housing in their district areas.

Councils should have a five-year housing land supply plus a 20% buffer (i.e. 6-years), but the Planning Inspector found that North Devon and Torridge Councils only have a 4.23-year supply. This shortfall in housing land supply equates to 1.77 years or 1,603 dwellings.

Greenslade Taylor Hunt act for the landowners of the land off Caddywell Lane/Burwood Lane, Great Torrington, Devon, and advised on the promotion agreement with the land promoter, Beechcroft Land Limited.

Mark Chugg, partner of Greenslade Taylor Hunt, said: “The shortfall in five-year housing land supply creates a window of opportunity for landowners. This opportunity is to bring forward their land for development.”

“This applies to landowners with land in sustainable locations that are outside of built-up area/development boundaries of settlements within the two districts to make opportunistic planning applications.”