RESIDENTS campaigning to save an open space used as a play area in Okehampton lost their fight this week, after planners granted consent to erect ten houses and four flats on the land at Giblands.
The planning committee was told development has taken place on the estate since 1975, with consent granted for a residential scheme in 1981. But despite that consent, the land had remained un-developed and was 'well used' as a play area.
Members were told there had been 20 letters of objection to the application, plus a petition of 169 signatures.
Robert Scembek, a resident at Giblands, compared losing the area to a village losing its green and claimed parking on the estate was already like an 'obstacle course'.
'To add another potential parking problem at the lower side is just asking for trouble,' said Mr Scembek.
Okehampton councillor Jayne Hill said: 'I appreciate the need for social housing but I feel this land is worth more to the community as an open space. I think this application is premature and we need to wait until the new Local Plan comes on line.'
Cllr Joan Pauley said she too realised there was a need for affordable housing, but felt other areas of the town could be used.
She was 'angry' at the lack of provision for youngsters in the area which would only be made worse by more houses.
But Miss Pauley's proposal to defer the application for a site visit was thrown out by the committee.
Marion Playle, West Devon Borough Council's housing officer, said there were 'very few areas left' for social housing in the district.
Okehampton had 'very high levels of housing need', with 258 people on the housing register, said Mrs Playle.
'Clearly the needs of these people need to be considered alongside the desire for open spaces.
'I think members need to be aware that if this application is rejected, the status quo will be maintained — a play area is unlikely to happen,' she said.
Stuart Davies, chief executive of West Devon Homes, said house prices had risen by 25 per cent recently, but incomes had not kept pace and the number of people requiring social housing was increasing.
'This is the only site which guarantees affordable housing in Okehampton in the next two years,' he said.
'This is a difficult choice, balancing two competing issues,' Mr Stuart admitted.
Cllr Noel Cartwright said the need for social housing was 'far greater' than the need for an open space.
'This will always remain as potential housing land. Even if we don't pass this today we must move forward on that basis,' he said.
And planning chief Stephen Gill said outline consent for building on the land was still legal, despite the fact the area had been un-developed, and to refuse consent would not be defendable on appeal.
Planning consent for the West Devon Homes building scheme was delegated to the head of planning to grant, subject to certain access changes.