‘Dangerous’ housing plans in Princetown leave residents feeling ignored

Frustrated residents of Moorland View, Princetown, are fighting a proposed housing development they say threatens safety and privacy.

The application (ref: 0168/25) is under review by Dartmoor National Park Authority and seeks permission to build nine affordable homes on land next to Moorland View.

The application was validated on 1 May 2025 and is due for a committee decision, with the target determination date set for 31 July 2025.

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If approved, the scheme would introduce four flats and five houses onto the site, which is currently open space and gardens. 

The applicant is listed as West Devon Borough Council, with Trewin Design Architects Ltd acting as agent.

ABOVE: Location and site layout plan (Credit: Dartmoor National Park)

Several residents have submitted written objections, citing concerns about parking, flooding, biodiversity, and loss of privacy.

Leanne-Shanae Wilkinson, who lives on Moorland View, said: “It will be taking my parking and the garden that is used by me and my family. We do not have any other place to park (and we hold a disabled badge). We can’t park half on the pavements due to safety and access. We can’t park on the road outside our homes due to blocking the narrow road, and there would be no way for emergency vehicles to get past.”

She also raised concerns about flooding, privacy and child safety, adding: “The moors aren't safe to be used as a garden and aren't secure for young children due to loose dogs or animals.”

Another resident, Fiona Taylor, said: “There is physically nowhere to put these houses. The parking is going to be horrendous let alone dangerous. Someone will be killed or badly injured. There is no room to park or turn around now. Privacy issues have to be taken into account, which we feel they certainly haven’t.”

ABOVE: Current resident parking which will be replaced by a block of four flats (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Ms Taylor’s objection also raised wider environmental concerns: “You are going to be disturbing wildlife that have flourished for years in the safety of this area. The green space and woodlands have several species of rare wildlife too.”

Graeme Barclay of 14 Moorland View echoed concerns about privacy: “The proposals show a block of four flats just 9.5 metres from my home, with windows directly overlooking my living room, bathroom, back door and garden. I will feel watched at all times -  it’s a gross invasion of my privacy.”

In more detailed submissions, residents referenced flood risk, peatland damage, and potential biodiversity loss. 

ABOVE: Mr Barclay pointing out the peatland which could be damaged (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Objections cited the presence of protected species, risks to watercourses feeding the River Meavy and West Dart, and claimed the proposal would lead to a 23 per cent net loss of habitat biodiversity.

One objection warned approval could breach the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which requires authorities to prioritise the conservation of natural beauty and wildlife where conflicts arise.

Other residents questioned the housing need in Princetown, pointing to existing vacancy rates and the high proportion of affordable homes already in the village.

Several objectors raised concerns about Dartmoor National Park Authority’s dual role as both landowner and planning authority.

“How are the public going to believe they have a say if the one who has to make the decision on this is someone who has a conflict of interest?” said Ms Wilkinson.

Residents have also called for the application to be decided at a public planning committee, rather than under delegated powers.

A spokesperson for the Dartmoor National Park Authority informed us: “Members of Dartmoor National Park Authority will be considering the relevant planning application in November and have nothing to add at this stage.”

Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon Borough Council, said: “Developments like this are vital if we want West Devon to remain a place where people don’t just grow up, but where they can also grow old surrounded by their family and community. It’s about protecting the heart of our towns and villages, and giving them a sustainable future.”