THE long-awaited report into a plan which will shape development in West Devon until 2011 was released today (Thursday).
It follows an eight-month inquiry investigating objections to West Devon Borough Council's draft local plan, which first went before the public in September three years ago.
Under central government planning guidance — and following the crucially important Devon structure plan — 4,100 houses must be built in the borough between 1995 and 2011.
More than 2,000 have been built or have planning permission — now government inspector William Carlow has recommended that approximately 1,800 new houses should be built on specified sites by 2011.
Stephen Gill, West Devon's planning chief, said: 'Overall, we are delighted with the results. The vast majority of the council's proposals have been successfully defended at the inquiry and that includes not just the proposals within the draft plan document itself — there were just as many objections at the inquiry relating to things that were not in the plan.
'There were major housing proposals for an awful lot of areas in the borough that we didn't think were appropriate and we have successfully defended virtually all of these as well.'
The inspector has agreed the borough's intention that 600 houses should be built in Tavistock and about 800 in Okehampton. He has also supported the council's plans to allow around 100 houses to be built in North Tawton and just over 100 at Hatherleigh.
Some smaller sites have also been earmarked by the inspector at Lewdown, Spreyton, Highampton, Bridestowe and Northlew.
But Mr Carlow has rejected proposals for 25 houses in Bere Alston — principally because of traffic concerns.
Mr Gill said one of the key successes of the inquiry related to affordable housing. Despite 'fierce' opposition by developers, the inspector has strongly supported the need to provide this type of housing and has recommended 'at least 35%' of new housing should be affordable — and should remain so in perpetuity, provided there is a need.
'I think that is particularly pleasing,' said Mr Gill.
Mr Carlow recommended traffic assessments should be carried out in Okehampton and Tavistock to identify works needed to enable new town developments to go ahead.
Other key findings revealed in the report reveal concern by the inspector over development that may be allowed in smaller settlements and open countryside, where there is little in the way of public facilities like schools or shops. Mr Carlow said it would encourage extra traffic.
Mr Gill said he felt the inspector was following 'central government thinking' in this respect but had 'left the door ajar' in his guidelines. He said the borough would investigate very limited development in such small villages, to ensure their healthy continuity.
The inspector confirmed the council's proposals for open space and play areas in new developments and also agreed investigations into the possible use of the former Castle Hospital at Okehampton as a 'supported living project'.
Cllr Margaret Garton, chairman of the council's future planning and housing committee, particularly welcomed the inspector's recommendation that the Brook site in Tavistock's Plymouth Road should be solely developed to create jobs — a West Devon proposal which went against Devon's structure plan.
Cllr Garton said: 'One of the concerns expressed by the public when we were going through the whole process was "there are all these houses, where are the jobs going to be?" At this site there are nearly four hectares that the inspector agreed should be for employment purposes — I think that's a unique success for Tavistock.'
She was also pleased the expansion of the Exeter Road Business Park in Okehampton was confirmed by the inspector.
'In many ways, with the over-heating that's going on in Exeter, I think this could be very good news for the Okehampton area. Again, people were saying "Where are the sites for jobs?",' she said.
Cllr Garton said she was impressed at the speed in which the inspector had reported back to West Devon.
She said: 'The council has done its very best to consult with everyone over the last year with exhibitions, discussion days, public meetings — we have been delighted with the level of involvement.
'The challenge now is to consider all the inspector's recommendations, adopt the plan as soon as possible and ensure it is implemented to provide much needed housing and jobs for the people of West Devon.'
The council hopes to formally adopt the new local plan during the summer of 2004, following a further period of public consultation earlier in the new year.
Copies of the full 242-page inspector's report are available at the borough council offices in Tavistock and Okehampton and at libraries in both towns. They can also be purchased from the council for £10 plus P&P or viewed on the council's website at http://www.westdevon.gov.uk">www.westdevon.gov.uk