Artist Damien Hirst plans to build 750 homes on land he owns in north Devon. The outline application for Ilfracombe also includes plans for a primary school, shops, business units and a health centre.

The artist's desire for homes "he would like to live in" has been the focus of public exhibitions and workshops for more than a year. A decision on the outline application for the Southern Extension is not expected until May or June.

Winsham Farm - bought by Hirst about 10 years ago - is near the centre of the proposed 187-acre housing development, although four other landowners are involved.

The outline planning application does not include details of the design of the new houses - some of which will be categorised as "affordable" properties - but a spokesperson for Hirst said the artist would be involved in this.