MORE than 70 homes could be built on the edge of Buckfastleigh as an outline planning application to develop an area of land is submitted to planners.

The application, reference 0257/25, is seeking permission for 75 dwellings on land off Timbers Road, with provision for highway improvements too.

The design and access statement says 45 per cent will be ‘affordable’.

‘New homes would have good sized gardens and parking within an attractive setting and outlook’, the statement reads.

‘The development would provide much needed open market and affordable housing in a sustainable location’, the statement adds.

The application site, which is allocated in the Dartmoor Local Plan, comprises approximately 3.3 hectares of arable farmland and consists of an open and irregularly shaped field, bordered by hedgerows along the eastern and western boundaries.

According to the design and access statement, the outline planning application ‘demonstrates that up to circa 75 dwellings can be delivered within the application site, adding positively to the character of the environment as well as adding to the housing supply in the locality’.

The application was submitted to Dartmoor National Park Authority on March 25, being validated on July 10.

A decision is expected before October 9, which is the date the application expires.

Teignbridge District Council (TDC) are being consulted on the application; 25/01262/CONSLT was submitted to the authority on July 24.

In its acknowledgment letter, TDC say it will publish its recommendation within 21 days.

An archaeology assessment and archaeological magnetometer survey have been carried out, concluding that ‘the overall archaeological potential of the site is considered low’.