PLANS to build time share units at Roadford Lake have been rejected ? much to the delight of residents and members of the Roadford Consultation Group. Peninsula Properties Ltd, part of South West Water, were seeking permission for a proposed development of a shared-ownership holiday village. It would have incorporated a range of facilities around a village core. These were set to include leisure and retail outlets, a sports and play area, landscaping, a car park and a wildlife habitat at Higher Goodacre Farm. The site earmarked for development was Higher Grinnacombe Farm, adjacent to the dam at Roadford. But at a specially arranged planning meeting, and after numerous concerns voiced by residents, parish councils and Roadford Consultation Group (RCG), Torridge District Council voted to refuse the application. Initially, planners had recommended the application be granted. But neighbouring parishes Broadwoodwidger and Germansweek, both objected to the plans. The RCG, which was also opposed to the development, organised a petition that was signed by 122 residents who shared their objection. The parish councils and the RCG feared the development would see increased traffic noise and pollution that would ?vastly affect? the tranquillity of the lake. They also felt there would have been no open access to the proposed facilities for members of their communities. The parish councils felt there had been a lack of consultation with them by Peninsula Properties. However, it was stated at the meeting that the applicant had ?complied with the statutory consultation procedure?. The decision faced by the district councillors proved to be remarkably difficult after the Highways Authority, the Environment Agency and Natural England had all stated they had no objections to the plans. Peninsula Properties stated that Devon County Council was satisfied the development would not have an adverse effect on the local network, ecology surveys had been completed and it had satisfied local concerns about the scale of the development. This was not enough to sway the decision of the council, despite Cllr Bill Pillman recommending they vote in favour. His vote was seconded, but with only three votes in favour and five against, his recommendation was lost. Cllr Miranda Cox then moved to refuse the application on environmental grounds. Four councillors voted in favour of refusal, with three against and one abstention. After it was made clear that the application had been refused, there was applause and cheers. Spokesman for the RCG Rodney Willett said: ?The decision was the right one for the community. We would like to give a warning message to South West Water ? if they want to do anything in Roadford, consultation must come first as we are united and determined.? South West Water has said it is now considering the reasons for refusal before deciding on its next course of action.