On 20th February 2009, almost nine years after ‘High Bickington Project 2000’ was born, we received the long awaited positive decision regarding our application for planning consent for the Little Bickington Farm proposals.

A three page letter from the Government Office for the South West to Torridge District Council concludes with the following message:

“Having carefully considered [the various policies] and other relevant planning issues raised by this proposal for a mixed use development on land at High Bickington, the Secretary of State is satisfied that the issues raised do not relate to matters of more than local importance, which would be more appropriately decided by her rather than the local planning authority. She has therefore concluded that the application should be decided by the Torridge District Council.”

This means that the decision reached on January 15th by Torridge District Council Plans Committee stands. This was the approval of the full planning application for Little Bickington Farm subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The full implications of this decision will take time to sink in and there is still a great deal to do before we can start building. The Board of the Community Property Trust, whilst celebrating the end product of nine years of hard work on behalf of the community, has resolved to hold a further public meeting to ensure that all who wish to do so can further consider the plans, discuss what happens next and share ideas about a possible implementation programme.

We have all been frustrated at the long delay in getting this development approved but that period is ended. The affordable homes, new school, workshops, community and sports facilities provided by this scheme have moved from a hope to a reality. Now we can all get moving on the delivery and in doing so, improve the lives of many in our community.

Further information will be available in the coming weeks so please watch out for local posters and other information.