THE small town at the geographic centre of Devon is set to see a big population increase after planners approved a new estate of up to 30 homes, writes Ed Oldfield, local democracy reporter.

Outline permission has been granted for the development in Moretonhampstead, on land between Betton Way and Ford Street alongside the town’s primary school.

Members of Dartmoor National Park’s development management committee imposed a set of conditions, including that at least half of the new homes should be made affordable housing.

The census of 2011 reported the town’s population at 1,703.

Daniel Allwood of Bell Cornwell, agent for the applicant Mrs S Ellis, told the committee: ‘It will help to provide much-needed affordable housing in a sustainable location, with good links to the rest of the town.’

The meeting was told the site had already been set aside for housing in the national park’s development plan.

A report to the committee said: ‘It has been clearly demonstrated through the housing needs surveys that there is a need for affordable housing in Moretonhampstead, which is considered a sustainable location.

‘This, and the enabling open market housing, can only have a positive impact on the local economy and community.’

The main access will be from Betton Way, with secondary access from Ford Street.

There will also be a pedestrian and cycle link to Forder Meadow.

The next stage will be the submission to the authority of a detailed planning application for the development.