A PROTEST rally to demonstrate people power will take place next week, as West Devon residents unite to say 'NO!' to more houses. Residents in Okehampton are drumming up support as they launch their opposition to the new houses proposed in the town. They have organised a protest rally for Thursday March 27 outside the borough council offices in Tavistock at 11am. One bus has already been booked to leave from Westbridge in Okehampton at 10.30am — but organisers hope to fill not only this bus but a second. Okehampton resident Carol Hookway, who is one of the organisers of the protest, said: 'All of us as a town have to say 'No' to new houses — but we need more support. If you can, please come along. People power will make the difference.' Proposals from the Government, outlined in West Devon Borough Council's Local Development Framework, would see a minimum of 900 extra homes built in Okehampton by 2026. This will be on top of the 500 new homes that are currently being developed and would lead to a total of 1,400 new homes in Okehampton over an 18 year period. Edna Hicks, West Devon Borough councillor for Okehampton East, has pledged her support to the campaign. Said Cllr Hicks: 'One of my main concerns as a councillor, is when people say there is no point in protesting because the council have already made their mind up. 'We must unite and say 'No' to 900 plus houses. We look but won't see, we hear but won't listen. 'This is not just happening in West Devon but in many other areas around the country. 'Okehampton is fast losing its character and its heart — but we can make a difference.' A public meeting was held in Okehampton's Charter Hall last Wednesday, where the mayors of Okehampton, Hatherleigh and Tavistock agreed to work together to compose a joint letter in response to the local development framework proposals. Okehampton mayor Tony Leech said: 'The borough council say we have no say about the numbers — we will have 900. 'I say we won't but we need to come up with evidence to show they won't work.' The borough council has maintained the public will be given 'every opportunity' to be involved in where the houses will be built. A spokesman said: 'These developments, if approved, are not expected to start until around 2012 and there is no suggestion that these 900 homes should be built without the necessary infrastructure. 'The current draft document outlining the sites identifies a range of infrastructure requirements that include sewerage, public transport and employment opportunities. 'Every opportunity was, and still is, being offered to the people of West Devon to get involved in deciding where these houses should be built.' The borough council recently held ten roadshows throughout West Devon as part of consultations on options to locate sites for new development. A final decision on which sites will be developed is expected in January 2010. People who wish to join in the protest rally should call Carol Hookway on 01837 54723 or Pam Stewart on 01837 659642 as soon as possible to book their place on the bus.
