IN 2008, permission was given for a dozen houses on a site at Tremlett Grove, Ipplepen, but now Rosemoor Homes Ltd plans to build only eight.

On Tuesday, Teignbridge Council planners granted outline planning permission for six open market and two affordable homes – access and layout.

But Cllr Alistair Dewhirst said the land utilisation was poor.

‘We are allowing the land to be developed in piecemeal fashion. Much needed affordable housing in the village is much diminished by small developments.

‘I am sure this development will provide six very high quality houses and two affordable for our young families who cannot afford to live in the village.

‘But if you approve this application you will never know the number we might have had. I would like the officers to go back and see what can be done,’ he said.

Cllr Jackie Brodie believed it was not making best use of the site.

‘I think we have it in our power to guide developers. It is too low a density,’ she said.

Business manager Nick Davies said constraints on the land prevented 12 homes being built.

Adjoining land was not available.

But Cllr Brodie replied: ‘Don’t be fooled by constraints. It is now larger houses on the same site. Before it was smaller houses.’

For the applicant, Steve Anderson said following a High Court ruling on affordable housing, Rosemoor Homes Ltd had acted immediately and included two affordable.

‘At the officers’ request the access road will be taken to the northern boundary of the site,’ said Mr Anderson.

Approving the application, the committee agreed 12 conditions including that the affordable houses should be provided before the market development.