Newton Abbot Town Council objects to housing scheme

NEWTON Abbot Town Council (NATC) has signalled its opposition to a 33-home development to the north of the town, arguing road safety, crime prevention and waste disposal have yet to be addressed.

Wyse Homes was denied planning permission by Teignbridge District Council (TDC) for the scheme off Howton Barton Lane in 2018 but then won its case at appeal.

It allowed the permission to lapse but has now resubmitted the application.

On Tuesday October 7, members of NATC’s Planning Committee were less than impressed.

Town Clerk Phil Rowe told the meeting that both Devon and Cornwall Police and Teignbridge Council’s waste department had expressed doubts.

The Constabulary’s Designing Out Crime Officer, Kris Calderhead, had gone on record with his fears, writing: ’I note the proposed divisional boundary between some rear gardens of plots is ‘post & wire fence with native hedge’. ‘For security purposes to reduce the opportunity for unauthorised access, 1.8m minimum fencing is recommended.’

He added: ‘Unrestricted access to the ‘green corridor’ should be prevented. It runs to the rear boundaries of plots which if accessible, leaves them vulnerable to crime. The space is also well concealed so could attract misuse and ASB.’

Regarding child safety he said: ‘Secured by design guidance recommends play areas should be an integral part of residential developments with safe and accessible routes for users to come and go.

‘With the proximity of the road and what appears to be a lack of pavement, possibly the location of the space should be reconsidered? Additionally, formal play areas should be afforded a suitable boundary treatment such as 1.2m hooped railings or similar which clearly defines the space, controls movement and prevents vehicular access.’

Anna Lang, TDC’s Technical Officer, expressed concerns about bin lorries being able to reach all the properties and wanted assurances that the road surface could cope.

She said: ‘The developer should consider the construction and quality of all roads, as they need to be sufficient to allow 26 tonne GVW Refuse Collection Vehicles full access to all properties to provide an efficient waste and recycling collection service.’

Members of NATC’s Planning Committee also had worries about the extra traffic on the narrow Howton Barton Lane.

Cllr Alan Gibbs said: ‘There’s going to be another 60 plus cars, it won’t be a quiet road for very long.'

Members objected unanimously to the scheme, which also includes two self-build plots, and it will now pass to TDC for consideration.