The Torridge Council Plans Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss planning applications, appeal decisions, and delegated decisions. Among the applications to be reviewed were a mixed-use redevelopment, a temporary agricultural worker's mobile home, and a retrospective application for a bar and storage building. The committee was also scheduled to review appeal decisions and delegated decisions.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to review several planning applications:

Brunswick Wharf, Bideford

The committee was scheduled to discuss a request to vary conditions on prior planning approvals for a mixed-use redevelopment at Brunswick Wharf in Bideford. The applicant, Red Earth Bideford Ltd, sought to amend conditions related to previous approvals (1/0295/2024/FULM and 1/0238/2025/FULM).

Specifically, the proposed changes included:

• Adding seven residential units, increasing the total from 101 to 108.
• Making external alterations to the design of the residential wharf buildings and Steamer Wharf.
• Increasing private car parking spaces while reducing private cycle parking.
• Changing the vehicle access hierarchy to the private car park areas.
• Removing buildings on the northern edge of the development, which were to house the sprinkler tank and backup generator.

Historic England had previously objected to the initial application, but did not object to this proposal, while retaining very strong concerns . The Torridge District Council's Conservation Officer noted that the changes to the fenestration on the north and south elevations alters the proportion of the windows sizes and spacing within the long elevations of the Clarence wharf and Queens wharf blocks, but had no objections on this part of the proposal.

The report pack noted that the Environmental Protection Team had reviewed an Acoustic Engineering Design Note and a Noise Impact Assessment, and suggested a variation to condition 34 relating to noise emissions from the backup generator.

Woodacott Cross, Devon

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a temporary agricultural worker's mobile home on land at Woodacott Cross. The applicant, Mrs Karen Austin, runs a business producing goats' milk and associated products.

The application was called in by a Councillor Ken James, who believed that there was an established need for a permanent presence on site to protect the livestock from predator attack, to reduce travel time and carbon footprint, and to support a successful SME¹.

The report pack noted that Thornbury Parish Council had raised concerns about the need for essential accommodation and the economic viability of the business. The Environmental Protection Officer had confirmed that the proposed development would be served by a suitable foul drainage scheme.

The planning officer's report recommended that the application be refused, as it was considered that the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that a temporary or permanent rural worker's dwelling was essentially required at the holding or that the enterprise was or could be made financially viable.

Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!

The committee was scheduled to review a retrospective application for the erection of a new bar and storage building, pergolas, and a proposed band stand shelter with associated works on Golf Links Road, Westward Ho!. The applicant is Mr Alan Smith, and the agent is Fearnley Lott Architects.

The report pack noted that the Environmental Protection Officer had raised concerns about the amenity impact on neighbouring residential properties resulting from regulated entertainment proposed to be held at the application site, and recommended the imposition of conditions relating to the number and timing of music events, and the music noise level.

The planning officer's report recommended that the application be refused, as it was considered that the proposed development had the potential to cause adverse impact on the residential amenities of the neighbouring occupiers.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was scheduled to review a summary of appeal decisions, including a dismissed appeal for land at Wooda Road Pitt Lane in Appledore.

Delegated Decisions

The committee was scheduled to note the delegated decisions for the period 02/09/2025 until 22/09/2025, and the list of delegated planning decisions, consultee abbreviations and application types enclosed for the same period.