THE developer that owns the site for the proposal second primary school in Okehampton has applied for planning permission to build houses on the site.

Earlier this month, Leander Developments Ltd submitted two outline planning applications to West Devon Borough Council, seeking permission for residential development on the site, adjacent to Baldwin Drive.

The first application is for nine residential units for a small portion of the site, but the second proposal is for 43 dwellings to cover the rest of the land.

The site had been earmarked for a second primary school as part of the Local Plan, but never safeguarded.

Leander Developments originally submitted an outline application to West Devon Borough Council to build a primary school on the site in September 2011.

The developer lodged an appeal on the grounds of non-determination, after the borough council failed to give notice of its decision on the application within the standard 13-week period.

That appeal has now been withdrawn by the applicant.

A spokesman for West Devon Borough Council confirmed that if Leander Developments wished to build a school on the site, they would be required to submit a fresh planning application.

A spokesman for Leander Developments confirmed the two applications for outline planning permission were submitted to West Devon Borough Council earlier this month, and their intention was now to use the site for residential development.

Devon County Council has recognised the need to secure a site for a second primary school in the town.

Last Wednesday, the council allocated £1.17-million for the purchase of land for a second primary school as part of a £21-million school investment project across the county.

A spokesman for the county council said: 'The cabinet has agreed to allocate £1.17-million to purchase a site for a second primary school in Okehampton. A site has been identified for a second primary school as part of the Local Plan.

'However, if that land doesn't prove to be available, then the county council will look at other options.'

The county council's cabinet agreed the funding as part of the education capital programme for 2012/2013 last Wednesday. In all, £11.2-million will be spent on providing extra places for the expanding number of pupils in Devon, particularly in primary school.

West Devon borough councillor and Okehampton town councillor Kevin Ball said: 'We are where we are now. The land that was assigned for a new primary school is now earmarked for residential development.

'The position seems ideal for a school and it would be a shame to lose that land. However, I understand all parties are working hard to secure a solution to the issue.'

Speaking about the Okehampton site, Devon's deputy leader John Clatworthy said: 'Now is the right time to purchase a site to ensure we can provide sufficient places in the future.'

The reference numbers for the two Leander applications are 02418/2012 and 02420/2012. They can be found online or viewed at the Okehampton Customer Service Centre on St James Street.