Councillors Reject Next Phase of Devon Housing Project

Councillors have rejected the subsequent phase of a new town development in Devon, which had proposed the construction of 150 homes. The Wolborough Barton initiative, located on the outskirts of Newton Abbot, is ultimately anticipated to feature 1,200 properties, to be built by Vistry Homes and Baker Estates. Teignbridge District Council’s planning committee voted against this latest segment of the plan, which included 150 residences of various dimensions, alongside a suggested public open space and a play area. During the meeting, Councillor Andrew MacGregor questioned the standards, stating: “When did we start settling for mediocrity?” The committee was informed, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, that Newton Abbot Town Council had previously supported the proposals. MacGregor stressed the importance of thoroughly exploring the proposed site, asserting: “We should insist that not one spade goes into the ground until the archaeological work is completed.” He added: “Without that, we’re accepting the fact that we are not really bothered about it at all.” Councillor Jackie Hook expressed her concerns regarding the management of ground and surface water, in addition to issues concerning play areas and pathways. Ian Perry, the council’s head of development management, emphasized the urgent demand for housing within Teignbridge. He stated: “We have a need for housing delivery, and we are not delivering.” During the session, he disclosed that Teignbridge was unable to fulfill current government objectives for allocating land for housing. He commented: “At the front of our minds should be housing delivery. We’ve got a waiting list of people desperate for housing.”