Two dwellings at 13 - 15 Westcombe Lane, Bideford

What was proposed

The application sought to convert commercial premises into two three-bedroom dwellings, with alterations including new windows, doors, rooflights and a slate roof.

“The proposed materials are natural random stone/blockwork rendered and painted white; brown horizontal cladding for the walls; natural slate tiles, (grey/blue colour) for the roof and brown stained timber windows and doors.”

“The existing corrugated asbestos roof sheets are to be replaced with slate. The existing rooflights on the front elevation, middle section and rear roof elevation are to be removed. Eight new rooflights are proposed on the rear, and one on the front.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a terrace of commercial buildings in a mixed-use area, with employment uses nearby and rear ground retained above gardens.

“Site Description Numbers 13 to 15 Westcombe Lane are a terrace of commercial buildings, sited on the southern side of 'Westcombe Lane,' approximately 70m west of Northam Road. The properties are slightly set back from the road and built on level ground. At the rear of the properties the ground is retained by approximately 5 metres, which are the boundaries to the rear gardens to Lime Grove.”

“The site is in Bideford, in a mixed-use area, immediately to the south of Torridge District Council's former depot where vehicle repairs were undertaken. This depot has recently been marketed, and the site has exchanged (as seen) at auction and was awaiting completion at the time of writing of this report. The site has been exchanged with existing planning use for commercial.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

The proposal followed a withdrawn application for three dwellings, which involved a legal agreement and covered a larger site area.

“This application is a resubmission of a previous planning application, which was withdrawn by the applicant on the 8th of February 2026, (planning application 1/0832/2024/FUL). It was withdrawn as the adjacent owner of the garage, (Unit 17) did not wish to enter into a legal agreement.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The Environment Agency gave standard flood advice, environmental protection requested a noise assessment, and no neighbour representations were received.

“Please find attached our standard planning advice note and supporting Flood Risk Assessment checklist, which will allow you to determine the suitability of the application with regard to flood risk.”

“If your Authority is minded to refuse any such applications on flood risk grounds, please notify us. If refusal of permission is appealed by the applicant, we would be happy to support you at appeal. Additionally, the applicant may like to request Product 4 data, which is a suite of supporting documents outlining the flood risk for an area. This is free. This can be requested from us by contacting: DCISEnquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Planning and Building Control presented the application and explained the referral, previous application, noise concerns and flood-risk issues.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed flood risk, previous flooding advice, the depot’s sale, noise assessment difficulties, housing need and the absence of neighbour objections.

“Members raised concerns over the flood risk and noted the infrequency of flooding events along Westcombe Lane. The Head of Planning & Building Control outlined that it is based on advice from the Environment Agency, as flood mapping considers future flooding events in relation to climate change.”

“Councillor Leather outlined the reasons as to why the similar previous application was withdrawn. Members noted that this previous application was discussed at length last year.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Leather proposed approval, Councillor Bushby seconded it, and the recorded vote was seven for, one against and no abstentions.

“Councillor Bushby seconded Councillor Leather’s proposal.”

“It was proposed by Councillor Leather, seconded by Councillor Bushby and –”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application and delegated the required conditions to the Chair and Vice Chair.

“That the application be approved, with delegation of the required conditions being given to the Chair and Vice Chair.”

Minutes