A FAMILY run coach firm founded nearly 50 years ago is looking to expand its storage and workshop facilities at Merton, between Hatherleigh and Great Torrington.

Taw and Torridge Coaches wants planning permission from Torridge District Council for its Grange Lane base.

The company, which previously obtained permission to extend its original workshop in 2016, says it requires more storage space because of its continued success running a fleet of 75 executive coaches and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs).

The new building will enable maintenance currently carried out in the open yard to be done under cover, said the applicants’ agent Bowden Architecture.

It said the new building would make best use of limited available space, and the material finishes and proportions proposed would match the previously approved depot extension.

There would be little or no impact on the Grade II* listed All Saints Church because the building would be hidden behind hedges.

The application includes creating a new access by removing a portion of the existing hedgerow.