When we surveyed the community for the Parish Plan in 2010, residents felt that there should be more affordable housing for local people. There was a broad agreement that there should be more housing available for rent and that uses should be found for redundant buildings.
It has been five years since then, there have been some changes in the village population and planning permission has been agreed for 300 houses on the Hayne Farm fields.
In the meantime, Combe Estate and the parish council have been talking about whether there is still a need for some new housing in the village on, possibly, the old estate office or land opposite Clysthayes. We have agreed that the number of dwellings should be small (no more than 10 or 12) and that most of these would be affordable and for rent.
The Parish Council wish to ensure that the houses should be the main residence of the occupants be-cause we are concerned at the proportion of village houses that are second homes or holiday lets and are keen to strengthen the community links that year-long occupancy encourages. The Estate is in accord with this wish.
However, in discussion with East Devon District Council it has become clear that the council would only agree to any residential development in Gittisham Village in exceptional circumstances. Their view is that development should only occur in the larger villages and towns where there is a full set of services. Small communities such as ours are deemed to be unsustainable.
The exceptional circumstances may apply if we could demonstrate strong community support and evidence of a local housing need. The parish, with the cooperation of the estate, would than have to form a community housing trust that would take the project forwards and run the eventual development.
This is where your views are vital.
Are you in favour of some small scale development within the village ?
You can reply to David Fallows or Richard Pratt. Contact details below. Your other thoughts would also be welcome. Thank you for your time.
David Fallows: Parkers East Gittisham 01404 850922
Richard Pratt: 1 Campion Way 01404 46551