The brownfield site has been empty for two years
The empty plot off Paiges Lane, Barnstaple(Image: Fearnley Lott Architects)
A 15-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) is being proposed off Paiges Lane in Barnstaple intended for health professionals at North Devon District Hospital.
Developers say the brownfield site has been empty for two years since the previous derelict building was demolished.
The land already has planning consent for three terraced properties with gardens.
Located in the heart of Barnstaple, it has “direct pedestrian routes” to the hospital and convenient access to town centre, local amenities, and public transport links.
The HMO would comprise a mix of single and double en suite bedrooms with associated kitchen/dining facilities.
Planning agents Fearnley Lott Architects said the target market for the proposed development was young professionals, particularly doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
It would therefore contribute to meeting local housing needs while supporting the recruitment of key workers, it said.
North Devon and Torridge Council are currently unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply within their local plan and are looking for further sites for development.
Two objections have been submitted to North Devon Council about the application.
One said: “I do object to it being yet another HMO. This site could be developed requiring less units, into privately owned one bedroom small houses which would appeal to pensioners who don`t want to live in flats or young people keen to step on to the property ladder and would release two and three bed houses onto the market for families.”
North Devon Council will determine the plan at a future date.