A NEW Co-op store in Ipplepen has received a green light in principle from the parish council – but not without some concerns.

Ipplepen Parish Council has said it has no objection in principle to the proposed development at the former Parkfield Service Station site off Totnes Road, but warned that the public footway serving the scheme could be unsafe for the level of footfall expected.

The council has also said it would welcome a reduction in the current 40mph speed limit on the A381.

The comments have been made as part of a planning application submitted to Teignbridge Council for the demolition of the former sales office and canopy at the site and their replacement with a new Co-op store.

The proposed store, which would be positioned centrally within the site, would allow the village’s existing Co-op in Fore Street to relocate.

The garage at the rear of the site would be unaffected by the proposal.

Planning documents say the current shop is ‘no longer fit for purpose’, with its limited size restricting shelf space and the range of products available.

The applicant, Vision Retail (Southern) Ltd, claims this is encouraging customers to travel to larger stores elsewhere.

The Co-op says it wants to remain in Ipplepen, but argues there are no suitable premises in the village centre capable of accommodating a larger shop, back-of-house facilities and dedicated parking.

The proposed new store would have 12 parking spaces, including one accessible space, alongside cycle parking for eight bicycles.

The applicants say the development would better meet residents’ daily and top-up shopping needs and would also serve the 100 new homes earmarked in Ipplepen’s neighbourhood plan.

The existing vehicle access from Totnes Road would be retained, with a dedicated footpath running along the front of the site, linking to the existing pavement network.

A gated access would also be provided beside the store for customers and staff using the retained garage at the rear.

Teignbridge Council is expected to make a decision on the application - reference 26/01433/FUL - by November 16.

To view the planning documents in full, and to comment on the application, visit the council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01433/FUL’ into the search-box.