AS a member of the Campaign To Protect Rural England (CPRE) it was heartening to see how many people attended the consultation held by Redrow, whatever their views, as reported in your paper of the August 1.

There are issues with which CPRE cannot get involved as it is beyond their remit, but the continued loss of meadowland to developers is certainly not one of them.

CPRE West Devon is strongly opposed to this latest proposal to extend the Tiddy Brook estate on the following grounds. The environmental impact of losing a green lung between the existing estate and the railway bridge. The fields attract a wide variety of wildlife and serve a practical purpose as a flood plain. They are also the last reminder of the little valley's natural charm and once gone will entirely alter the ambiance of that part of Whitchurch.

Nor is an increase in traffic to be encouraged. Since the opening of the cycle track, Anderton Lane is widely used by both cyclists and walkers. There is already a heavy volume of traffic as in recent years the lane has become a rat-run with potential accident black-spots at either end. A vehicular access from the extended estate, would only add further to the noise and congestion during the busiest periods of the day.

Above all, CPRE West Devon is greatly concerned by the number of houses these fields would accommodate. There are currently 750 houses, yet to be built by Bovis Homes on a site off the Callington Road which fall within the agreed figures of the Core Strategy for the region.

Another 110 have being suggested for a green field site at the top of Butcher's Hill and there is a pending application from Persimmon Homes for up to 30 units on land to the rear of St Andrew's Road, again in Whitchurch.

It does appear that Tavistock has suddenly become a focus for national house builders which places the town at a dangerous crossroads. No one  wants to live in a museum and some sustainable growth is inevitable. It is the prospect of rapid expansion which CPRE West Devon finds most disturbing.

Tavistock has a long and proud history as a market and stannary town and should not be considered by planners as merely a dormitory town for Plymouth.

The town is still surrounded by beautiful countryside and careful planning will retain its identity. If too rapid expansion is allowed, Tavistock will go the way of many other country towns and its uniqueness will be lost within a toxic spread of urban development.      

In 2005 the CPRE at national level, awarded Tavistock the title of 'Best Market Town in England'. Perhaps now, it is one of the most endangered.

Jill Stewart-Rattray

James Road

Whitchurch