THE chairman of Okehampton Town Council's planning committee has paid tribute to the dedication of his fellow members, following a special planning meeting held last week.

Cllr Tony Leech paid tribute to the committee members, who individually spent hours looking through the application for a Tesco store in Okehampton to pass a fair and balanced judgement.

He said: 'I would like to thank all those who did turn up for the debate, and I would especially like to thank the committee members who spent at least six hours each looking through the application, and cross-referencing it to the policies that we have to work to. 

'We are all volunteers and to do this shows that they are dedicated, and only looking for what is best for the town and its residents at this time. 

'None of us can see into the future, so who knows what Okehampton and the Hamlets may or may not need in ten to 15 years' hence; so for now, we can only adhere to the policies as laid down by the Government and the local planning authorities.'

Planning committee members last Tuesday, voted unanimously to object to the supermarket application on a number of grounds, including increased volume of traffic, and impact on neighbours.

They also felt it went against recommendations in West Devon's retail study, and contravenes West Devon Borough Council's Core Strategy as well as the National Policy Planning Framework.