DRAFT proposals which could affect the shape of Tavistock up to 2026 have received a unanimous thumbs down from the town council.

At a special meeting of the town council last week, members said West Devon Borough Council's core strategy proposals for the Local Development Framework contained many flaws.

Now they are to investigate engaging a planning consultant to advise them, to make the most powerful response possible to the borough.

They will also fund a public meeting further to engage residents from Tavistock and the surrounding areas in the debate before the next consultation period in March.

Town mayor Robin Pike said the proposals — which include 750 homes, a re-opened rail link to Bere Alston, a new hospital and school sites and a link road, all situated on the west and south of the town — in effect created a 'new town', isolated from the present town layout.

Members felt the sums did not 'add up' regarding the re-opening of the railway, which was dependent on building 750 new houses. Of these, 40% had to be affordable, and councillors said income from the remaining 450 would not cover the cost of the railway.

They also felt the proposed line would serve the wrong areas of Plymouth and it would be pointless to travel to the city by train, then have to take a bus to their final destination.

Cllr Chris Jenkins said the core strategy seemed 'intent on turning Tavistock into a clone dormitory town of Plymouth' and asked where the 4,000 or so people who presumably needed extra housing were going to work.

'The obvious place for work is Plymouth, which begs the question — why not build the houses there?' he asked. 

The council said traffic pressures on Callington Road could become a huge problem, and a true traffic census was required.

The council felt the proposed new hospital and school was 'spin', as they were not new additions but relocated from elsewhere.

But during this week's town finance meeting, Cllr Michael Harper opposed hiring a planning consultant to help the council.

He said: 'I have extreme objections to paying a planning professional to do work that I think we are capable of doing ourselves.'

It could cost the council thousands, he said, and urged members to set a date for the public meeting as soon as possible.

Cllr Mandy Govier said the core strategy was hugely important and the town council's response, to be effective, needed to be worded very carefully.

She said: 'I don't think this council has the skills needed. We are the largest town in this borough and we need to treat this very seriously, and put forward our views in a way that a planning inspector will take seriously.'

Cllr Debo Sellis said it was vital that all residents in the area were completely aware of what was being proposed — and became involved with the consultation.

Cllr Philip Sanders said borough council officers told him the core strategy document had been well received by the public.

'That's definitely not the message I am getting from anyone,' he said.

The borough council this week 'robustly' defended its proposals for Tavistock and said it would be willing to meet members to discuss the issues.

Cllr Diana Moyse, chairman of the borough's future planning committee, said she was 'extremely concerned' that the town council had misunderstood or misinterpreted the proposals and urged members to meet with the borough 'at the earliest opportunity'.