TWO local needs housing schemes have been approved in the Buckland Monachorum parish, despite strong concerns about traffic increases and declining village facilities. Speaking at West Devon Borough Council's planning committee last week, ward member Cllr Margaret Garton said applications for development at Cuxton Farm and on land adjacent to Abbey Park Lodge, Crapstone were not sustainable in terms of keeping the villages alive. But planning officers recommended approval for both schemes of 12 houses. They said there was a justified need for this type of housing and the site was suitable. Sixteen letters of objection were received by the authority to plans for Cuxton Farm and four to the proposals in Crapstone, raising concerns over the impact on the primary school, poor infrastructure and lack of local services, namely shops, doctors and dentists. Cornwall County Highways also objected to the second scheme. Cllr Garton said that with little in the way of local services people would have to drive their cars and travel out of the village. She said there was a site in Yelverton which was earmarked for development and more suitable for social housing. 'I think everyone would agree it is an ideal location for access to shops, doctors, play areas and there would be a choice of four schools,' she said. When the local plan was discussed the council agreed that any development in Buckland Monochorum would not add to its sustainability, she added. The post office had closed and the roads were 'appallingly narrow, given the growth of the parish in the last 30 years'. Cllr Mandy Govier said schemes like this could help revive the village because at present Buckland Monachorum was a commuter village. 'If this application goes ahead it could encourage someone else to come into the village and open up a post office again,' she said. 'Our school numbers are dropping and are projected to fall — I think this will help Buckland Monachorum.'