‘Too often, housing comes first’ - Bovey Tracey council warns infrastructure must be ready

Bovey Tracey Town Council has stressed that new housing should only be built if the appropriate infrastructure is in place first. 

Councillors say roads, schools, GP services, and public transport must be ready to meet the rising demand before any large housing schemes are approved.

The call came after Teignbridge District Council asked for public feedback on its revised Local Plan 2020–2040. 

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The plan includes 190 homes proposed for Bradley Bends on the eastern edge of Bovey Tracey. 

These would add to over 60 homes which have already been approved off the A382 Moretonhampstead Road, plus those now being built at Indio House and Challabrook/Langston Cross.

At a meeting on Monday 1 September, the Town Council’s Planning and Environment Committee raised concerns about limited capacity at Bovey Tracey Primary School and potential pressures on other local services. 

Members pointed to the Bovey Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan 2021–2033, which states that growth must be matched with strong community infrastructure.

Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke said residents had been clear about their concerns.

“We are not against development,” she said. 

“We know it plays an important role in keeping the town thriving. But it must be sustainable. That means having the schools, health services, and transport links in place before people move into new homes.”

Recent housing schemes at Longston Cross and along the A382 have highlighted problems such as traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, and extra demand on local amenities. 

Developers have pledged more than £2 million through the Community Infrastructure Levy to support future improvements, but many residents argue these changes should happen sooner.

“Too often, housing comes first and the promised infrastructure follows years later,” furthered Cllr Brooke. 

“Both new and existing residents need services from day one.”