Newton Abbot housing inquiry opens as protesters pack public gallery

Dozens of protesters gathered as a seven-day public inquiry into one of Devon's most controversial housing schemes got under way.

Holding placards bearing slogans including "Nature Not Concrete" and "Newton Still Says No", campaigners packed the public gallery at Newton Abbot's Forde House as proceedings opened.

A planning inspector has begun hearing evidence on three appeals linked to the proposed NA3 development, which would deliver around 1,200 homes at Wolborough on the outskirts of Newton Abbot.

The most contentious appeal centres on drainage into Wolborough Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is home to a number of rare plants.

Developer Vistry Homes maintains the fen is not at risk from water draining from the construction site.

Objectors disagree, arguing the development threatens the fen's fragile ecosystem.

Speaking before the inquiry, Richard Daws, of the Wolborough Residents' Association and an Independent Teignbridge councillor, said the dispute had been ongoing for 15 years.

"The whole argument now is about protecting the Wolborough Fen Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is a very fragile site," he said.

"The developers are proposing a plan that the Devon Wildlife Trust says puts that site at risk.

"It is totally unique. It has been thousands of years in the making and it'll take just a few weeks to concrete over."

Mr Daws said campaigners wanted the developer to deliver the protections for the fen that had been agreed in 2020.

Earlier, Peter Sadler, divisional managing director at Vistry, said: "The ecological condition of the SSSI is a matter of expert evidence that will be examined at the inquiry.

"Our position remains that the works currently being undertaken are outside the fen and are not having an impact on the habitat.

"I hope this hearing brings this matter to a conclusion and allows all parties to move forward. We are keen to see this development come to life."

The wider Wolborough development, known locally as NA3, received outline planning permission in 2020 for more than 1,200 homes, a primary school, employment space, community facilities, open space, roads and drainage infrastructure.

The inquiry is considering three separate appeals.

The first concerns a proposal by Baker Estates to build 150 homes on part of the site.

Teignbridge's planning committee refused the application in December 2024 over concerns about drainage, reliance on private cars, inadequate provision for walking and cycling, and the amount of play space. Baker Estates has appealed that decision.

The second appeal, submitted by Vistry Devon South West, relates to plans for public open space, green infrastructure and drainage works.

Councillors rejected the application in December 2024 because of concerns over drainage, limited pedestrian and cycle access, and the location and provision of play areas.

The third, and most controversial, appeal has also been submitted by Vistry Devon South West and relates to measures intended to protect Wolborough Fen.

As Teignbridge Council did not determine that application within the statutory timescale, Vistry has appealed against non-determination.