AN EXCITING new 'green' scheme could see up to 100 houses built on land to the west of Okehampton.
The pioneering proposal would be the first major eco community for the town, and would include affordable homes.
The development, a mixture of three and four bedroomed houses and two bedroomed apartments, would also accommodate a community créche, workshops, small office suites, storage buildings, garages and an energy centre.
Details of the proposal were given to Okehampton town councillors last Thursday.
The man behind the eco community scheme, chartered architect Nils Westman, said the core strategy, recently agreed by West Devon Borough Council identified sites for housing only on the east side of the town.
But he felt the proposed development in the west could help relieve some traffic congestion.
Mr Westman said: 'It is close enough to the town centre to make it viable to walk and cycle into town, which the sites to the east cannot offer.
'With a private bus service such as Carmel Coaches providing a service for shopping trips and for the elderly, the scheme has advantages in many ways, over those proposed to the east.'
Mr Westman said the proposal was a forerunner of what could be expected in the future throughout the UK and would be far more sustainable than schemes currently constructed.
'In particular the density of the scheme is reduced to allow for larger gardens and allotments which can be used for the production of vegetables and fruit.
'The impact on the locality, in terms of services and infrastructure will be minimal, with rainwater harvesting included.'
The visual affect on the landscape would be softened by an abundance of planting, he said.
'It will reinforce the existing woodland and hedgerows and the sedum roofs will help minimise the affect of the development when viewed from Dartmoor National Park.'
West Devon Borough Cllr for Okehampton West, Ken Williams, said: 'This is an interesting idea which suits the times of today.
'The area to the west is a very difficult issue. Any development near the church or to the east, in view of the national park, is extremely sensitive.
'I do think that the eco development is a lovely idea and I'd like the plan subjected to West Devon Borough Council for consideration, to see what the general views are.'
Cllr Williams stressed the development would need to be in keeping with its surroundings.
'Obviously one would be aghast if developments on the scale and density of Okehampton east were to take place on the west fringes of the town.
'I think that it is a pity the developments aren't like this in the east.'
The development, which would be made of timber frame and cladding, would also have sedum roofs, to provide cooler conditions in the summer and additional insulation in the winter.
The timber would also provide a wildlife haven and absorption for rainwater, helping to prevent excessive surface and water discharge.
The development would also include:
l a rainwater recycling scheme
l permeable paving to roads, cycleways and footpaths
l a large garden space, play area, community green and allotments
l Hot water heated using solar thermal panels and mechanical ventilation for heat recovery to minimise heat loss.
West Devon Borough Cllr Christine Marsh said: 'I think it's an interesting concept.
'The town council wanted a balanced development and although it's not in the local framework, I look forward to seeing it in more detail.
'To have a development like this one in Okehampton, where there is a lot of history, it would have to blend in and tie in with the surroundings.'