A SPECULATIVE move has been made to build 136 houses on a greenfield site on the edge of Tavistock.

The proposed site is on land on New Launceston Road, opposite St Maryhaye — land which has already been identified as a possible site for future development.

West Devon Borough Council received a screening opinion from Boyer Planning on behalf of Cavanna Homes on October 28, in order to identify projects which could have significant effects on the en-­vironment.

And at a plans committee meeting of the Tavistock Town Council on Tuesday, councillors received a presentation from representatives of Boyer Planning and Cavanna Homes as to its ideas for the site, although the proposal is still in early stages.

Elliott Jones, director for Boyer Planning and planning consultant for Cavanna Homes, said: 'The site has already been considered and approved for development. Outline planning permission 20 years ago was granted for a nursery and a garden centre and although the planning consent has not been implemented, it still remains live, as it was renewed in 2013.

'Although subject to change, we currently propose to build 136 units — 40 percent of these, 55 units, are for affordable homes. Existing vegetation will be retained as will be the footpath that runs through the site and access will be via one point on New Launceston Road.'

The proposed dwellings vary from flats to two, three and four bedroom properties in a mix of terrace, semi-detached and detached units. Most will be two storey in height, with some units potentially being three storeys.

Tony Pollintine, of Grainge Architects, said: 'Our approach is to work within the context of the existing environment and understand the impact on the surrounding residents — working with them and trying to mitigate any problems that might come about from putting a hundred plus houses on the site.'

The site is bordered on one side by existing houses and open fields to the other. The building side is approximately 5.85 hectares, which would result in less than 30 dwellings per hectare.

Councillors were able to ask questions during the presentation and raised concerns over traffic and highways issues, due to the possibility of more than 200 cars all using the busy 30mph New Launceston Road.

Town mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'In the last four weeks they have constructed pavement on one side of the road which causes some dangerous manoeuvring. This was done to encourage school children to take that route to school and a development of that size will have a considerable impact on traffic movements at a time when children are going to school.'

Cllr David Whitcomb said: 'The road has been narrowed and some mornings it gets quite hairy.

'I feel that that road is very dangerous and if you're looking to put houses with 200 plus cars coming out on that road, I suggest you check with Devon County Highways.'

Mr Jones said: 'When we get to the planning application stage we would then produce a detailed travel plan.

'We would ensure the highways issue would be dealt with and would be technically correct.'

A spokesman for West Devon Borough Council said: 'The site has planning permission for a garden centre which was granted in 1989 and has been regularly renewed.

'The site is not within the Core Strategy and is not currently earmarked for development.

'However, it is one of a number of sites in Tavistock that has been put forward for possible development  and in December, we are planning to consult on land which could meet future housing and other development needs within the town.'

Residents are currently not able to comment on this application as there is not a statutory consultation requirement for this type of application. However, a specific query on the screening opinion can be forwarded to the borough council by emailing [email protected]">[email protected]