Plans for 1,200 homes 'at risk of being derailed'

Plans for 1,200 homes, a school and care homes in Devon are at risk of being "derailed", it has been claimed.

On Monday, Teignbridge District Council discussed plans for a road in the planned development at Wolborough Barton, Newton Abbot, deferring decisions on a key road and the first 94 homes to be built until a later date.

The council's planning committee members cited concerns over parking and access, and also raised concerns about damage to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Wolborough Fen.

Darren Summerfield, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said they wanted to build 200 homes in two years and any delays "risk derailing" the plans.

The row has been going on for about 10 years and is due to continue as a result of the councillors deferring the decisions.

The planning meeting was due to be held in August but was postponed at the last minute.

People against the development to the west of Decoy Country Park - known as NA3 - said it would be damaging to Wolborough Fen.

Devon Wildlife Trust manages Wolborough Fen and said in the planning report being considered it had "serious concerns" relating to the evidence available for the planning committee to make its decision.

It said approval of the road "risks undermining our ability to ensure the future health of this protected site".

However, officers said stringent conditions attached to the building of the road would protect the area.

The Wolborough Barton scheme was given outline approval by the planning inspector in 2020.

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