ELDERLY residents of a sheltered housing scheme in Yelverton say lack of consideration over a proposed access road to a new housing development going through their complex is 'an infringement of human rights'.

A planning application has been submitted to Dartmoor National Park Authority for 16 affordable and local needs residential units on land adjacent to Briar Tor, Yelverton.

Briar Tor Tenants' Association members have no objection to the development, but they are opposed to the planned access. The site is run by West Devon Homes.

Following a tenants' meeting a letter was sent to Dartmoor Park by secretary Joyce Neno expressing 'considerable concern' from everyone living at Briar Tor'.

She said: 'Direct access to this site cuts right through the heart of Briar Tor. We all object to this access and feel very upset that little or no consideration has been given to all those that live in Briar Tor, which is sheltered accommodation for the elderly, some of whom are seriously or terminally ill.'

The letter states that if the access proposal were to go ahead, they would 'consider every avenue to put a stop to it'.

'What is more important: the rights of the people of Briar Tor to live their lives in peace and enjoyment or the extra cost that seeking this new entrance would provide?' the letter asks. 'Is this not an infringement of anyone's human rights?'

Access to a housing development running through Briar Tor would 'destroy the whole ethos of the sheltered accommodation site', says the letter. The route would encourage footpaths to be used as a throughway, increasing nuisance, and there would be a constant flow of heavy lorries while the site was being developed.

'At present there is adequate parking for residents and support staff, but only just. The access road is narrow and not designed to take more traffic.'

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said Briar Tor would be 'cut in half' by the road and 'the estate would be ruined'.

'Handicapped residents would be at peril and to proceed with this side of the proposal would be as callous as firing a cannonball into the face of the Sphinx,' he said, adding that planners should look at two alternative access possibilities.

Muriel Clay-Thomas, 84, said the average age of the residents was 80 and the majority needed a walking aid or wheelchair. 'Allowing access to at least 20 more vehicles through the narrow entrance will cause traffic chaos. We need continuous access for ambulances, doctors, nurses, carers, buses, police and repairs personnel. As the official crossing is at the opposite end of Briar Tor it will become a thoroughfare for the residents, children and animals of the proposed properties,' she said.

'We have a strict code of conduct and are not even allowed to have grandchildren running around and have to keep dogs on leads,' she added.

The residents have contacted their MP, Gary Streeter, whom Mrs Clay-Thomas said had helped them when the existing Yelverton play area was originally going to be sited next to their complex.

Mr Streeter said he visited the complex about two years ago and thought the residents had 'some legitimate concerns'. He would be visiting Briar Tor in the near future and would represent their interests.

Jean Peters of West Devon Homes said she understood the residents' concerns over access. West Devon Homes was working with the developers to try and get traffic calming measures included in the scheme.

A spokesman for Dartmoor National Park Authority said once all the required paperwork had been received, a report on the application would be available for consultation.

A recommendation had not been made on the application yet, but it was hoped it would go before the planning committee on December 5.