WHITCHURCH is to have a new village car park — despite an objector's claim the proposal amounted to an act of 'environmental vandalism'.

Consent for a 20-space car park to be built on land off Church Lane was granted by West Devon's planning committee last week.

Ian Smith, who lives next door to the field where the car park will be built, strongly objected on legal, conservation, safety and environmental grounds to the plans.

'Basically this amounts to environmental vandalism,' he said.

Mr Smith said the proposal could not be considered within the Local Plan, it was an historical area, and there was no need for a car park — 'very few' cars parked on Church Hill other than for an hour on a Sunday morning, he said.

'The ambience relates to the church — you are going to stick a damn great car park there which quite frankly isn't required.

'Cars which are parked on the side of the road actually slow vehicles down.'

Cllr Ted Sherrell was opposed to the original scheme for 30 vehicles plus an amenity area, though he conceded a case could be made for a 'modestly sized' car park.

And Cllr Caroline Keane felt it would be a 'great shame to infringe on the moors'.

The committee accepted points made by Sue Callow, Whitchurch Inn licensee, who acted as agent for the landowner.

She said the surface suggested for the car park would not be suitable for skateboards or bikes.

She said the borough council has agreed to adopt the car park, with trustees of the village hall committee taking responsibility for it.

Planning officer Jane Green said the application was acceptable on highway grounds as it would reduce traffic on a blind bend — the impact of parked cars on the surrounding area would be reduced by planting around the car park.

She did not consider the car park would adversely affect the two neighbouring properties, as cars already parked on the road close by.

Land for the car park is being donated by a Middlemoor resident, Jeffery Fox, for the use of the community.

The scheme is a long-term one, as grants will be needed to finance the project.