Plans have been submitted for a new public car park aimed at addressing traffic issues in a north Devon village.

Parkham Parish Council proposed developing land next to The Allardice Hall to provide a 34-space car park along with an amenity area.

The plans, submitted to Torridge District Council, were supported by the local school, residents and the badminton club, which said hall users and the wider village would benefit significantly.

In a letter to planners, Parkham Primary School said that although it had only 60 pupils, its impact on surrounding roads was “significant”.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the school’s letter stated many of the Allardice Hall car parking spaces were taken by members of staff, leaving little or no space for parents to park in order to safely unload or load their children.

The school said a properly designed drop-off space would greatly improve safety and families’ experience.

Parkham Parish Council said it owned the land and had carried out “exhaustive investigations” into potential uses but was restricted by overhead power lines and underground earthing cables.

It said the parish needed a larger car park to improve safety and convenience, and the proposal would increase disabled parking, provide more spaces for parents and toddlers and reduce roadside parking during events and gatherings.

The amenity area would also provide space for picnics and relaxation whilst improving biodiversity, the council said.

Torridge District Council’s environmental protection team requested further information on how noise would be mitigated.

Planning documents said the nearby Stanley Court residential development could be affected by noise from vehicles and people, particularly during sensitive hours.

Torridge District Council’s planning committee is expected to decide on the application at a later date.