Dartmouth Town Council has unanimously supported an 85-home planning application.

At the town council planning meeting last week, an outline application for 85 houses and a 55-bed assisted living development was greeted favourably.

The application would encompass 30 per cent affordable homes and further 10 per cent grant-funded homes. Affordable and social rent would also be available.

It would be built on land at New Barn Farm, off Townstal Road, near to Norton Park.

Sarah Griffin, an affordable housing specialist, spoke to councillors at the meeting. Ms Griffin said the planning application was a strive to create a “balanced community” that would fit on the development and “give rise to a sustainable community for the future”.

She reassured councillors developers would not be able to change the percentage of affordable housing. This would be secured by any 106 agreement forming part of the planning approval including these details, she explained.

However, Cllr Gina Coles highlighted the town needs more social housing, as affordable housing is not necessarily affordable to the people in Dartmouth.

Cllr Robin Springett suggested Ms Griffin and David Jobbins from development consultant Luken Beck, who also attended the meeting, speak to Dartmouth United Charities about the development.

The mayor, Cllr Rob Lyon, said: “This is exactly where we should be building extra houses”.

The motion to approve the outline application was proposed by Cllr David Gent and all councillors voted in favour.

Mr Jobbins told the Chronicle after the meeting: “In addition to the provision of much-needed level of affordable housing and an assisted living scheme, we believe we have created an attractive new entrance to Dartmouth which respects its context and has regard to the consented development on the opposite side of Townstal Road.

“Furthermore, our application provides highway safety benefits, extensive areas of new public open space and additional landscaping which will enhance the wider landscape and setting of the town.”