A PLANNING application to build 65 homes in Chillington has been submitted by the Acorn Property Group to South Hams Council.

Acorn have said the development will provide ‘much needed homes for the whole community, nestling into the hillside to the north of the village using locally distinct materials and details in the design.’

But Paul Farrier from the Chillington Housing Action Team, formed specifically to oppose this development last year, has said they are ‘fully prepared and ready to respond robustly to this application.’

Acorn first approached the community for feedback in July last year, and followed this up with a public consultation held at Stokenham village hall in October.

At the consultation, a representative of Acorn specifically stipulated that a minimum of 23, or 35 per cent of the homes, will be affordable. However, in the outline planning application submitted this week, only 11 houses, or 17 per cent of the homes will be affordable.

Mr Farrier continued: ‘We are disappointed that the affordable housing has been reduced from 35 per cent presented to the community at Stokenham Village Hall in October.’

Bob Johnson from CHAT told the Gazette in October: ‘Some people in the village said that up to 30 truly affordable, shared ownership, social rented homes for local people and the elderly would be appropriate, but the vast majority said ‘no further development.

‘We don’t want it, we don’t need it and we are not convinced the infrastructure can cope.’

The Acorn group published details of their feedback in November, and stated of the 63 people who submitted feedback forms, slightly more than half objected to the development, while 45 per cent were either in favour or unsure.

The most popular aspect of the scheme was the provision of affordable homes for local people. One woman wrote: ‘Private rented accommodation is too expensive here and for working local families with children at school this will really help.’

Mr Powell said at the time: ‘All those comments are being taken on board and will be invaluable as we prepare the final planning application.’

Mr Farrier from CHAT told the Gazette in December: ‘Residents should be aware that the current promise of ‘35 per cent affordable housing’ may be renegotiated downwards later by Acorn.’

This week, Mr Farrier said: ‘It is now up to the Chillington residents to respond individually and let the South Hams Council planners and their local district councillor Julian Brazil know just how they feel this planning application will affect the village life.’

District councillor Julian Brazil said this week: ‘My priority its to provide affordable housing for young families in the South Hams.

‘There are a number of points to look at here, the percentage of affordable homes - as this is an unallocated site, the policy is to have 50 per cent affordable properties.

‘As well as the neighbourhood amenity - the affect it will have on existing residents in the village and the visual impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Cllr Brazil added: ‘I’m meeting with local people on Friday to discuss this, and would encourage local people to write in to South Hams Council and make their thoughts known.’

A spokesman for Acorn Property Group said: ‘This scheme for Chillington will deliver a sustainable housing development close to village facilities and provide 65 much-needed homes.

‘The proposed percentage of affordable homes was reached after a viability report was carried out to assess what could be afforded to ensure delivery of the site and which will be reviewed by the district council in due course.’

People have until Friday, June 17 to register any comments, and indicate whether they object or agree with the development.

The documents can be viewed on the South Hams Council planning website, using the reference number: 0771/16/OPA.