Councillors have approved a ‘new town’ development in Devon with 2,000 homes despite local opposition and concerns about the impact on infrastructure.
South Hams Council planners were warned against rejecting the Sherford proposal – which also includes a primary school, shops, and community facilities – as the developer would be likely to win on appeal. It will be the biggest development in the area since Sherford’s expansion began in 2015.
However, the Woolwell project could mean hundreds of lorries using local roads for years to come. Planners raised fears over traffic and over the lack of affordable homes in the overall scheme. Green Party councillor for Totnes, Georgina Allen, said: “We are here to represent our residents, not dance to a developer’s tune.”
A previous council meeting was adjourned without resolution, with councillors seeking further details on access routes and affordable housing ratios, after they faced near 1,700 objections and just 20 letters of support.
Councillors and residents also expressed concerns about access to the site off Pick Pie Drive, where construction traffic will have to pass near to a school and nursery, reports Devon Live.
Planning officer Ian Lloyd told the meeting: “You can’t make an omelette without cracking eggs, and construction is part of the process. We’d all like to avoid construction traffic through Pick Pie Drive, but we can’t restrict that without the developer’s agreement, and they are not in agreement.”
He also noted that only one in eight homes in the new development would be ‘affordable,’ with an independent assessment already questioning whether even that number is financially feasible for the developer, Rockspring Barwood Plymouth.
Cllr Chris Oram (Lib Dem, Bickleigh and Cornwood) argued: “Viability is their problem, not mine and not my residents’. The fact that they can claim poverty in order to get this through just doesn’t stand up as an argument.”
“Seventeen hundred people have said no to this. The parish council has said no to this. I can’t support it. There might be kick-back, but I say let’s have it.”
Cllr Simon Rake (Lib Dem, Blackawton and Stoke Fleming) shared his frustration, adding: “It sticks in my craw that affordable housing is the last mouth to be fed after developer profit and landowner gain.”
Despite these strong objections, Cllr Guy Pannell (Lib Dem, South Brent) cautioned his colleagues, suggesting the developer is likely to win on appeal given the site’s designation for housing in the local plan.
“I don’t believe we have the strength of reasons that would allow us to make a strong case at appeal,” he said. “I don’t think we have the grounds to reject it.”
Councillors ultimately gave the green light to the plans after a marathon four-hour debate.
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