'Unique opportunity to support business and farming on Exmoor'

Members of Exmoor National Park Authority have today (Tuesday 13 January 2009) approved a planning application which will allow the development of the Cutcombe livestock market, Wheddon Cross and 25 new residential units, 12 of them affordable houses for local people.

The application is the largest to come before the Authority in recent years and included separate applications for a total of 3 blocks of business premises on the same site.

The current Local Plan, which was adopted in 2005, states that all new build dwellings should be for Local Needs Affordable Housing, but the Planning Act does allow for a decision to be made contrary to the policies of the Development Plan where there are compelling and exceptional planning reasons for the Departure. Planning officers have spent some 4 years working with the applicants to examine possible ways to deliver the replacement market and it is now clear that application presents the only realistic opportunity available. Cutcombe Market is vital to the future of Exmoor’s farmers and, without funds from the sale of the 13 open market housing units included in the application, the development of the new market facilities could not go ahead. Twelve units of local needs affordable housing are also included in the scheme to meet an identified need for housing in the village.

Speaking after the meeting chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority John Dyke said: This is a unique opportunity to support both the business development of the livestock market. Upland farming is already struggling and we welcome the chance to do what we can to help farmers who, by their farming practices maintain the landscape quality of the National Park”.

At the meeting, the Chairman, members and the applicant thanked the planning officers of the National Park Authority for the hard work that they had put into ensuring that the development of the market also benefited the wider community.  This was echoed by Linda Atkins, vice chairman of Cutcombe Parish Council who praised the officers of the Authority for listening to the views of local people and working to meet the needs of the community.

The application will now be referred to the Secretary of State before any final decision can be issued.