PLANNING permission is being sought for a significant new housing development in Folly Gate.

The former garage, petrol station, vehicle repair workshop and 'Highbrook' bungalow would be demolished to make way for the new development, which would comprise 22 residential units — 12 houses and ten apartments.

West Devon Borough Council member for Okehampton West and Inwardleigh parish councillor Kenneth Williams said: 'People in the village are asking for more information. There is a lot of confusion about this application, as people believe the whole principle of housing on the site can be revisited, and it cannot.

'This reserved matters application deals with the what and the where, not the principle of development.'

Outline planning permission for the site was originally sought in 2004, but the borough council refused, arguing the development would result in the loss of the community's only shop, as well as a loss of employment.

Following a lengthy appeals process and the closure of the garage and shop, outline planning permission — which agrees the principle of a housing development —was granted by the planning inspectorate in 2006.

The current planning application covers 'reserved matters' — the additional details not yet confirmed about the development.

Matters under consideration for the site are the access to and layout of the development, alongside the appearance and scale of proposed buildings. Also under consideration is any landscaping of the site.

Documentation provided to the borough council's planning department by the developer's agent says: 'We are very keen to provide a scheme that fits in well with the surrounding area.

'Building shape, form and design will be kept simple and traditional. To maintain a traditional appearance the new buildings will be from plain render with slate roofing.'

The document suggests vehicle access to the site will be via a new junction from the A386.

It is not yet certain whether the development will contain any affordable housing.

Anna Henderson-Smith planning officer at the borough council said any request for affordable housing provision must be made at the outline planning stage. Such a request was not made by the planning inspector when permission was granted following the appeal.

She also confirmed that the number of units proposed in the plans would be a matter for consideration.

A decision is expected to be made in May, and anyone looking for further information can view the application at West Devon Borough Council's offices or online at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk/planning">www.westdevon.gov.uk/planning under reference 01218/2011.