A PROPOSAL to build 36 homes in one of the desirable and expensive places to live on Dartmoor has been thrown out by planners because they say it doesn’t meet local housing needs.

The scheme for land at Lamb Park, Chagford was rejected by the development management committee of Dartmoor National Park Authority because it did not meet the requirement of at least 45 per cent of the homes being “affordable”.

According to property website Rightmove house prices in Chagford averaged at £508,000 over the last year with the majority of terraced properties selling for an average of £416,000 and detached at £672,000.

Committee members heard at a recent meeting that local people were facing difficulties finding properties and were forced to move to other locations where homes were cheaper.

Applicants Mr and Mrs Booth and Gate House Living Ltd had offered 28 per cent of social housing (ten homes), public open space and £15,000 towards sports facilities in the parish – and planning officers had recommended that the committee approve it.

Officers said a viability assessment had been provided by the applicants outlining how the costs of delivering the site was prohibitive to providing the 45% of affordable housing.

The authority sought its own independent viability assessment to review and provide confidence that “the highest level of affordable housing could be achieved”.

But members went against the officer’s recommendation after considering comments from 19 objectors and concerns from Chagford Parish Council.

Opponents raised issues about the lack of affordable homes but also said the access was unsuitable, Lamb Park was already congested with cars, the sewage treatment works was at capacity and the bus services were poor.

Officers said with appropriate conditions – there were 22 in total – the proposed development would not lead to further parking and congestion issues.

The site was within the development plan, close to other housing and services and people would be encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport.

West Devon Borough Council’s housing officer said the level of social housing in this proposal was “disappointing” but ten additional homes would help in assisting people with a local connection to find suitable and affordable accommodation.