East Devon District Council (EDDC) have approved 37 new homes on the Hayne Farm development in Gittisham.

Existing farm buildings which belong to the Combe Estate will be demolished to make way for the new homes. Access roads, related infrastructure and an area of open space will also be developed. 

The land in question is close to the Combe Farm Shop.

The houses have been given the green light despite objections and concerns from local residents and conservationists. 

Five members of the public commented on the EDDC planning page and all opposed the development. 

Concerns centred around lack of privacy for existing houses (because the new homes will be in an elevated location), higher risk of flooding, increased traffic and the noise of the construction. 

The Hayne Farm develoment (Nub News)

One comment from a local resident stated: "The estate is a lovely estate as it is a small development with well designed houses. 

"The more you add onto this estate, the bigger the traffic and parking issues become. The traffic into the estate is already at its max with the bends in the road into the estate and poor parking of residents."

Another said: "The land on Hayne Farm is in an elevated position, so the proposed two storey property shown on the plans behind my property would have an uninterrupted view into my bedroom windows. 

"The top floor would also completely overlook my living room and garden."

A third added: "Our gardens already have poor drainage which results in frequent flooding during heavy rain. 

"Any use of non-porous material such as concrete or tarmac on the proposed site will only worsen the situation which may lead to increased flooding and consequent subsidence issues."

A member of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) commented that there were a number of 'challenging considerations' regarding the site, including its impact on the land in the close by AONB, the visual impact it will have (especially during the winter months) and the increased traffic it will cause. 

EDDC Ecologist Will Dommett added that the site is an important habitat for slow worms and grass snakes - both of which are protected species. Replacement habits for the reptiles should be provided by the developers, who are also required to install bird boxes.

Honiton Town Council unanimously supported the proposal and Gittisham Parish Council also supported it, albeit with concerns regarding increased traffic. 

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