Three self-contained flats at 38 Oxford Grove, Ilfracombe
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by North Devon Planning Committee on 5 Nov 2025.
What was proposed
The application sought to convert six studio apartments into three self-contained flats, with roof solar panels, bin and bike stores, and fenestration repairs.
“Proposal Description This application seeks detailed planning permission for the conversion of 6 residential studio apartments (bedsits) to provide 3 self-contained residential flats and installation of solar panels on the roof (rear elevation).”
“Secure bin and bike stores are proposed to the rear yard area. Repair and replacements of fenestration is also proposed.”
Officer report
The site
The property contained six bedsits over three floors and was formerly the Salvation Army Hall, with homes nearby and a cinema-related yard behind.
“The site is currently set out as 6 bedsits over three floors. The property was formerly used as the Salvation Army Hall.”
“The impressive exterior of the building backs on to the pavement of Oxford Grove which runs from Highfield Road to the High Street. There is a Taxi rank on the highway and further parking is controlled during the daytime. To the east of the site is Oxford Grove with residential properties across the road. To the north and south are residential properties. Whilst to the west is a rear yard with a high wall beyond which is associated with the Cinema in the main.”
Officer report
Earlier planning history
Earlier permission covered conversion of the former hall into four houses in 2000, while a 2006 application concerned signs at the nearby cinema.
“Reference Number Proposal Decision Decision Date 29581 CONVERSION OF FORMER SALVATION ARMY HALL TO FORM 4 NO. HOUSES at FORMER SALVATION ARMY HALL, OXFORD GROVE, ILFRACOMBE, EX349HG FULL PLANNING APPROVAL 23 October 2000 41680 CONSTRUCTION OF CANOPY WITH NEON SIGN & LINING TOGETHER WITH INSTALLATION OF CINEMA NAME MADE OUT OF NEON TUBING, 1 PROJECTING ILLUMINATED SIGN & 1 POSTER DISPLAY PANEL at PENDLE STEPS (EMBASSY CINEMA), 134 HIGH STREET, ILFRACOMBE, EX349EZ ADVERT…”
Officer report
Why officers supported it
Officers considered the proposal would provide needed, decent affordable homes, reduce density and have acceptable design, heritage, amenity, ecology, drainage and highway effects.
“Whilst it is noted that this is a reduction in units of open market accommodation, this project seeks to convert substandard housing into decent homes for people. The bed sits were in very poor condition and this investment will ensure sustainable homes that meet decent homes standard to support our community.”
“Conclusion Whilst in theory this application will result in a loss of open market accommodation, this proposal will deliver 6 much needed 1 bed units of affordable housing to a decent standard in one of the most deprived parts of the town.”
Officer report
The committee decision
The committee unanimously approved the application as recommended by the Lead Planning Officer (North).
“The Committee considered a report by the Lead Planning Officer (North) (circulated previously) regarding planning application 80754.”
“RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be APPROVED as recommended by the Lead Planning Officer (North).”
Minutes
Sources
- North Devon Planning Committee minutes, 5 November 2025
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of North Devon's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
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See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- North Devon Planning Committee
- Council
- North Devon
- Date
- Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended approval
- Committee decided
- Approved
- Vote
- Unanimous
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- North Devon committee decisions →
This committee's year
26 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 2 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.