Wolborough planning inquiry opens as developers and campaigners trade claims

Opposing sides in one of Devon's most divisive planning disputes have begun setting out their cases.

Speaking on behalf of developers behind a controversial housing scheme on the outskirts of Newton Abbot, King's Counsel Charles Banner said the independent planning inspector should take some of the objections "with a pinch of salt".

He was speaking at the start of a seven-day public inquiry into homes being built by Vistry Homes as part of the NA3 development at Wolborough, which is expected to eventually include more than 1,200 homes on greenfield land.

The appeal centres on concerns over the future of Wolborough Fen, which lies alongside the development site.

Vistry says the fen, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to several rare plant species, will not be affected by water run-off from the development.

Objectors dispute that claim, arguing the development will affect the fen and that Vistry's investigations have been inadequate.

Mr Banner said objectors would "protest that their case has nothing to do with their intense objection to the principle of development. You should apply a pinch of salt to their over-the-top objections."

But lawyers representing objectors rejected that argument.

Jack Parker, representing the Wolborough Residents Association, Abbotskerswell Parish Council and the Devon Wildlife Trust, said: "Their only concern is not to stop this housing going ahead but to make sure the applicant does so in a way which does not harm the integrity of the fen.

"It is insulting to them and the work they have done to suggest otherwise."

Jonathan Ward, representing Teignbridge Council, added: "The principle of development has been controversial, but it has already been settled. The local authority has no motivation to do anything other than discharge its duties properly and lawfully."

During the opening morning of the inquiry, Mr Banner said the development could improve the quality of water entering the fen by reducing the harmful effects of agricultural run-off.

Mr Ward argued the developers would have been better off addressing the concerns of local people than pursuing the appeal. Mr Parker added that the work carried out so far fell "terribly short" of what was reasonably required.

Three independent Teignbridge councillors, who founded the Newton Says No campaign in response to the NA3 proposals, also addressed the inquiry in support of preserving the fen.

Richard Daws said the developer had had since 2013 to demonstrate that the SSSI would be protected but had produced a "wholly inadequate" response.

"Residents have been forced into an eye-wateringly costly and time-consuming public inquiry," he said.

Liam Mullone said Vistry's aim was to "stuff too many houses into a site that cannot environmentally sustain it".

Janet Bradford told the inquiry: "I'm not against development. I'm against the developers riding roughshod over the scheme."

The inquiry continues.