Walking routes provide suitable and safe access for new housing

Outline planning permission for up to 77 houses was allowed on the edge of a large village in north Devon the proposed pedestrian access routes being judged to be sufficient safe and convenient for the proposed residents.In making his assessment the inspector noted that one of the routes would not be particularly suitable since it would provide access onto an unlit, relatively narrow road with no footpaths. It would also discharge pedestrians and cyclists close to a blind bend and although the route was lightly trafficked the inspector agreed with the council that it was not ideal.However a range of other routes were possible and in his opinion although they were considerably longer, they would provide suitable and realistic alternatives to enable residents to access village facilities and bus services to a nearby town. In his opinion the site was inherently sustainable and in the absence of an adequate supply of housing land the appeal was allowed.