STREET names for a future housing development in Tavistock were rejected last week by town council members.

Members of the development management and licensing committee met on August 21 and considered the proposed street names for Butcher Park Hill by the developer which referred to various species of geese.

The developer of the site proposed eight street names — Embden Grange, Cotton Patch, Greyback, Landes, Lionhead, Obroshino, Romny and Tufted Roman.

It is a legal requirement that the local ward members of the town council, and the Royal Mail, are consulted regarding new street names and that any objections are fully substantiated and made within a strict time-frame.

Following a discussion at the committee meeting, councillors decided that the names should be objected to as they had no relevance to Tavistock.

Councillors felt that the names proposed implied that the town was defined by a single fair event which is only held on one day, once a year and that the names of geese listed are not recognised as British breeds by the Poultry Club of Great Britain.

It was suggested that there are more significant historic influences on the development of the town which would be more appropriate — if a local theme was being developed — such as the Abbey, the Dukes of Bedford, other places within the World Heritage Site, or the town’s agricultural heritage.

Historically the town council has used names of Honoured Burgesses when naming roads, including Pinder Court and Philpott Lane, usually when they are deceased, although there had been exceptions.

The committee added that it was ‘surprised’ at the short time given to come up with alternative names. The request was received on August 20 with a 21-day deadline for responses, yet the development has yet to begin.

The council hoped it would be given additional time to come up with more suitable names which are relevant to Tavistock. The next development management and licensing committee meeting is due to be held on September 11 and all council members will have the opportunity to suggest names for the roads within this development.

Chairman of the committee Cllr Andy Hutton encouraged members of the public to get involved: ‘We were incredulous and amused when we heard their suggestions and wondered where they got these from. We felt that it was totally inappropriate for Tavistock.

‘If people would like to come forward with suggestions we are happy to hear their ideas.’

To contact the town council call 01822 613529.