OPPOSITION has emerged to plans to demolish a large agricultural building on the edge of Dunsford and replace it with four homes.

The application, reference 26/01479/FUL, has been submitted to Teignbridge Council for land adjacent to Westview Farm, with a decision expected by November 18.

The planning statement describes the proposal as ‘an efficient and sensitive use of land’, claiming the homes would sit comfortably within the surrounding landscape.

However, four nearby residents have objected, raising concerns about the development’s scale, its impact on the countryside and the suitability of the access road.

Mrs Annette Hare said the four large houses would be too prominent in the rural setting, particularly alongside two homes already permitted at Westview Farm.

She said the development would have ‘a significant visual impact on the surrounding rural area’, and also raised concerns about traffic, wildlife and light pollution.

Mr Ben Ash said he was not opposed to the principle of replacing the barn with better-designed housing, but believed the current proposal went too far.

He argued that the four detached homes would create an estate-like appearance and raised concerns about overlooking and loss of privacy.

Mr Richard Lewis also objected to the scale of the scheme, arguing that the proposed houses extended beyond the original agricultural building’s footprint.

Mr Glyn Taylor described the application as the fourth similar proposal for the site in five years, arguing that little had changed from previous schemes.

He said the four modern houses would be ‘totally out of character’ with the surrounding landscape.

The planning statement argues that the scheme would improve the site’s appearance and deliver high-quality housing with environmental and sustainability benefits.

To view the objections in full, and to comment on the application, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01479/FUL’ into the search-box.