MORE than 1,200 new homes need to be built in West Devon if the borough is to meet the challenges it faces over the next 20 years, new documents revealed this week. Government estimates of housing need suggest that by 2026, 3,800 new homes must be built in West Devon. Around 2,600 houses have already been built or are allocated. Included in these developments are the proposed 500 homes in Okehampton and the 230 houses currently being built at Bishopsmead in Tavistock . The latest information is revealed in two major planning documents published by West Devon Borough Council, which go out for public consultation today (Thursday). Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of the council?s future planning and housing committee, said: ?These additional 1,200 new houses proposed for West Devon are significant but I, and the council, are committed to protecting the borough?s outstanding environment. ?West Devon is a very popular place for people to live and to visit and we will vigorously protect our heritage.? The first planning document, the West Devon Core Strategy ? part of the Local Development Framework which will be the basis of all future planning decisions and proposals ? investigates how to meet the challenges facing the borough up to 2026. Issues include low wages, soaring house prices, the ageing population, young people moving away from West Devon, climate change and lack of public transport. Most of the new development is proposed for Okehampton (650 homes) and Tavistock (300 homes) as the largest towns in the borough. Other more limited developments are proposed for Hatherleigh (100 homes), North Tawton (60 homes), and a total of around 130 houses for the villages of Bridestowe, Buckland Monachorum, Crapstone, Exbourne, Folly Gate, Lewdown, Lamerton, Lifton, Milton Abbot and Northlew. As well as housing, proposals for Okehampton include an extra 6.5 to 10 hectares of employment land, open space and playing fields, community facilities, possible retail use and a link road between Exeter Road and Crediton Road. In Tavistock, the proposals also include a further 3.5 to 5 hectares of extra employment land, open space and possible retail provision. The second document ? Site Allocations Issues and Options ? suggests specific sites which could meet the development needs outlined in the core strategy. Cllr Moyse added: ?Our planning team is holding a large number of roadshows to give everyone the opportunity to tell us what they think. It?s so important that residents come along and spend time finding out how these proposals may affect them and their communities.? Affordable housing is key to the future viability of the borough and the council is proposing that 40% of new properties developed are let or sold as affordable. Residents can have their say on the documents at a series of roadshows which start today (Thursday). Dates and venues are: l The council?s West Devon Connect surgery in the town council offices in North Tawton on Thursday July 26 from 9.30am to noon. l Tavistock Food and Drink Festival on the weekend of Saturday July 28 and Sunday July 29 in Bedford car park where West Devon Borough Council has a stand. l Okehampton Show on Thursday August 9, all day. l Further Connect surgeries at the Arundell Arms, Lifton, on Wednesday August 1 and Hatherleigh Market on Tuesday August 7, both from 9.30am to noon. l Further roadshows are being held on Monday August 6 at Exbourne Village Hall from 9.30am to noon and Bridestowe?s White Hart car park from 1pm to 3.30pm; Saturday August 11, Buckland Monachorum Village Hall from 10am to 1pm; Wednesday August 15, Lewdown Victory Hall from 1.30pm to 4pm; Wednesday August 22 the Blacksmith?s Arms car park in Lamerton, noon to 3pm. Those unable to attend day sessions will also be able to make their views known at two afternoon and evening events at Tavistock Town Hall on Tuesday July 31 and Okehampton Charter Hall on Thursday August 23, both from 2pm to 8pm. Planning staff will also be available to deal with general inquiries about the Local Development Framework at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock and on the following Mondays (July 30, August 13 and August 20) at the Customer Service Centre in St James Street, Okehampton. For those unable to attend any of the events, strategic planning staff will arrange appointments to discuss issues or concerns. These can take place at either Kilworthy Park in Tavistock or at the customer service centre in Okehampton.
