From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, November 28, 2007

DEVON County Council's Executive has agreed in principle to transfer a one million pound plot of land to the High Bickington Community Property Trust for a pioneering development.

Plans to create a rural community on surplus County Council land at Little Bickington Farm, High Bickington, have been on the drawing board since 2000.

The proposed scheme includes a community hall, playing field, community woodland, 16 affordable homes, 14 homes for the open market and seven workshop units. There are also sites for a health centre and primary school.

Councillor John Rawlinson, Devon County Council Executive Member for Adult and Community Services and County Councillor for Torrington Rural, said: "This development is a subject very close to my heart. I remember when I was elected as a County Councillor in 2001, one of my first duties was to open a consultative exhibition on this topic.

"It was a public inquiry in 2006 that resulted in the planning inspectorate saying it could result in affordable housing exceeding the need in the surrounding environment. The numbers of affordable homes has now reduced from 36 to 16, which I very much regret. It's a project I would dearly like to happen and it could act as a template for the rest of Devon and indeed the rest of the country."

David Brown, Chairman of the High Bickington Community Property Trust, said: "This decision will help us take a gigantic leap towards delivering the plans drawn up by our local community and Local Government partners. We are absolutely delighted at the level of support being provided by the County Council and look forward to continuing this exciting partnership towards the achievement of a truly sustainable future for our local community."

Development costs are estimated at around £10.3 million, with some of the income being generated by the sale of the open market housing.

As well as the Executive agreeing in principle to transfer the land to the Trust, it was also resolved to provide the County Council's share of infrastructure costs, estimated at around £850,000, and confirmed a grant of £100,000 from the Second Homes Council Tax Reserve to help with planning costs.

The County Council could not give a commitment to the funding of a new school, and the final report of the Development Trusts Association is awaited. This is a review of the High Bickington Viability Appraisal to assess the scheme's value for money for people in Devon and the level of financial commitment by Devon County Council.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor John Rawlinson, 01805 624548.

David Brown, Chairman of the High Bickington Community Property Trust, 01769 560873.