A MAJOR developer has confirmed it is due to submit plans for a housing development in an East Devon village.
Although confirming the intention to submit a planning application for land at West Hill near Ottery St Mary, Daniel Heathcote, Persimmon Homes South West land director, said it was "too early" to confirm details. "We are required to engage with the local community in order to inform them of our development proposals," he added. "In light of this, it is therefore too early to confirm the details of the development that will be submitted as part of the planning application."
Councillor Claire Wright who is the town, district and county ward member for Ottery St Mary and West Hill, has voiced concerns over the plans.
West Hill is allocated 35 houses in East Devon District Council's Local Plan, until 2026. So far, 14 houses have been approved outside the village's built up area boundary and a further 29 are awaiting a decision. But Cllr Wright said her understanding is that Persimmon wants to build in the region of 50 homes on a field towards the end of Higher Broad Oak Road, adjacent to Higher Metcombe. "Residents have observed with sinking hearts, the field behind their houses first being flail-mowed and then, rather ironically, surveyed for wildlife," she said.
"Surveyors have also been in the field carrying out topographical studies of the land.
"A surprising 17 dwellings have been built in West Hill gardens since 2006, however, very unfortunately, the Government does not allow for these developments to be included in housing numbers for local plans," she added.
Residents have set up a Facebook page entitled, Save West Hill the Woodland Village.
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