HOUSING strategy across West Devon was discussed at the opening of the public inquiry into West Devon Borough?s Local Plan in Okehampton last week.

A round table discussion between West Devon planning officers and representatives of developers looked at general issues relating to housing rather than specific sites or objections.

One area of contention that did arise was the major proposal for a residential development of around 250 homes to the west of Monksmead next to the safeguarded site for a station if the rail link between Tavistock and Plymouth via Bere Alston is reinstated.

The council hopes to have a decision on re-opening the line in 2005, but its ability to deliver the development within the timespan of the plan was discussed.

Bill Wilson from Bill Wilson Planning, representing Redrow Homes, welcomed the idea of encouraging people to travel by rail as an alternative to using their cars. But he questioned whether such a large development could be completed before the expiry of the plan in 2011.

Mr Wilson said: ?The A386 is a very heavy traffic route and the idea of a rail route between Tavistock and Plymouth must be applauded.

?I know the time scale is optimistic, but we must be realistic. I do not believe that site will deliver that level of housing within the

local plan period.?

Borough principal forward planning officer Chris Dunford said the rail link proposal was still at an early stage, but he was hopeful a decision on whether a bid for funding to re-open the line had been successful would be forthcoming by 2005.

Mr Dunford said Plymouth City Council was also extremely supportive of a rail link as it would reduce congestion for people commuting to and from Plymouth.

Mr Dunford said there might initially be some ?resistance? from some Tavistock residents to a rail link and adjoining housing development, but the link would hopefully soon be accepted if people living in the adjoining homes made immediate use of the service.

Mr Dunford said there were ?landscaping implications? with the proposal, as the site would be prominent in the landscape.

The local plan states the Monksmead housing development is subject to a firm commitment to re-open the railway line to Tavistock and develop a station adjoining the site.

The borough want to reassess the most appropriate site for the housing in the light of the decision on the railway line, and the requirement for housing when the plan is reviewed in five years time.

A proportion of affordable housing would also be required at the site.

The inquiry began on Tuesday, January 14, and is expected to continue until mid-April. It is being held at the Borough Council Chambers in Oaklands Drive, Okehampton.

The inquiry inspector ? appointed by the First Secretary of State John Prescott ? is Mr William Carlow. His task will be to consider objections to the Plan which sets out the council?s policies for the development and use of land in the borough for the next ten years.

The Local Plan went before the public in September 2000 and the second draft was produced in April 2002.

Almost 1,900 representations were received, although some have now been withdrawn.

There are now 1,409 outstanding objections and 276 representations of support.

The inquiry programme is available for the public to view at both borough council receptions in Tavistock and Okehampton and at the town libraries.

Information has also been posted on West Devon Borough Council?s http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk and will be regularly updated.