West Devon Council has granted planning permission for 52 new holiday lodges in Tavistock, Devon.

The permission to build the lodges, near Dartmoor National Park, was given following opinion given by Humberts Leisure to a planning inquiry reviewing the initial refusal by West Devon Council.

Humberts Leisure submitted detailed evidence in support of the application submitted by Goodwin Planning Services which demonstrated strong demand for high quality holiday lodges in the area. The council had refused the application on the basis that there was an oversupply of static caravans and holiday lodges.

The appeal was supported by the planning inspector who agreed with Humberts Leisure's evidence on the emerging market and demand for higher quality lodge-style accommodation in rural locations across Devon.

The inspector also considered West Devon Council's concerns that the lodges would obstruct the views to Dartmoor were addressed, as the lodges were specifically designed with low density layouts, as well as being wooden-clad, to complement the surrounding landscape.

The Need & Impact Assessment demonstrated that the scheme will have major benefits for the local economy, an especially important consideration during the difficult economic circumstances. The Assessment estimates that the scheme would attract an additional 33,000 holiday visitors to West Devon which could boost the local economy by approximately £1 million per year.