Why councillors felt they couldn't reject this Newton Abbot housing scheme
A proposal for up to 50 homes on the outskirts of Newton Abbot divided opinion, with councillors voicing concerns over traffic and greenfield land before making a narrow decision
Up to 50 homes will be built on a greenfield site on the outskirts of Newton Abbot after councillors decided it was an offer they couldn't refuse.
Teignbridge Council's planning committee gave the go-ahead for the homes on land east of Buckland Road, described by Cllr Mike Ryan (Ind, Buckland and Milber) as being "right on the skyline".
Councillors raised concerns about traffic, transport and the loss of greenfield land, but Cllr Chris Clarance (Ind, Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead) told colleagues: "This is part of the 1,088 homes the government is asking this authority to build each year, and we have to find sites for them somewhere.
"It's a shame that we have to use these sites, but our hands are tied."
Cllr Jane Taylor (Ind, Kerswell-with-Coombe) said she had concerns about the busy road and its lack of pavements, adding: "I don't think we should be supporting an application for 50 homes in such a sensitive area."
Committee chairman Peter Williams (Lib Dem, Teignmouth East) pointed out that while the application had been flagged by the local parish council, none of its members attended either the site visit or the planning committee meeting.
Applicant Rubix Strategic applied for outline permission for up to 50 homes, 13 of which would be affordable. Local people said they were concerned about how the narrow road serving the site would cope with additional traffic, as it already carries up to 50 heavy tankers a day serving the nearby sewage works.
Devon County Council raised no objections, however, and the land is allocated for housing in the Local Plan, albeit for 30 homes rather than 50.
Cllr Ryan said the development would put extra pressure on local services and added: "It is good farmland, and we should be producing more locally grown food."
Speaking on behalf of Rubix Strategic, Andy Shepley said the proposal was not a major departure from the Local Plan.
Councillors approved the scheme by four votes to three.