PLANS have gone in for 137 new homes to be built on land at the former British Ceramic Tile factory site.

British Ceramic Tile, operated on an 17-acre site alongside the A38 at Heathfield, near Newton Abbot, and closed in 2019.

This application is for outline permission for the residential development of up to 137 homes with approval sought for access on the land off OldNewton Road.

The Design & Access Statement was prepared on behalf of the applicant Oserian (Heathfield) Ltd .

The outline application aims to establish the principle of residential development at the site.

A statement with the planning application says: ‘The proposed residential development of the site will create demonstrable benefits.

‘These include improvement in biodiversity via an implemented management plan that looks to enhance and protect ecological species at the site and reintroduce Pennyroyal.

‘There would be improved access to green infrastructure for residents and visitors who will be able to benefit from the network of paths and walkways benefitting from the existing bio-diversity at the site, as well as the ability to deliver a substantial provision of affordable housing.

‘There would be the creation of new jobs through the construction phase contributing to economic growth in the area, and the investment in the local community of Heathfield as a consequence of the multiplier effect and increased economic spending.’

It is hoped the plans could further boost the campaign to bring back the railway to Heathfield.

Passenger trains have not rolled out of Newton Abbot and towards Heathfield since 1959. But supporting for the reopening of the line has long been given by Teignbridge District Council.

The design and Access statement says: ‘The housing layout has been created ‘with the desire to form a rich green network of pathways, use the wooded hill for paths and informal play, create a network of green paths, forma green buffer to the power park, retain the wooded edges to the site, form a large green space at the heart of the site and introduce new tree planting within the scheme.

You can view the plans and comment on them at the Teignbridge Council Planning Portal at https://publicaccess.teignbridge.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=ROBWJXPZHR600