YOUR letters and reports concerning the consultations on the proposed over-development of the south west area of Tavistock show beyond argument the extent to which the borough - not for the first time - is out of touch with the real needs and desires of the population, and with reality.
Two matters undermine the proposal. First, the claim of paying for the restoration of the railway is frankly bogus. No-one really knows how much the cost would be, even as to whether the service would be hourly (minimum) which would require double rolling stock, manning and the dualling of a significant part or probably all of the line.
Eighteen million pounds has been quoted, but only for Tavistock to Bere Alston. Full restoration of the whole line to modern safety standards could be double that.
Such development is not part of normal local planning procedures, but would depend on plans and proposals being prepared by Railtrack and a traffic operating company. This would only happen if there was a possibility of a covering of costs and a return on capital.
Bearing in mind the existing line is heavily subsidised already, the likelihood of such an event is remote.
Public subsidies for such ventures are now a rapidly vanishing option. It is unlikely that circumstances will exist under which Kilbride would ever be called on to implement the offer of this juicy carrot, but then, once this juicy carrot (actually a bitter lemon) is successful in getting planning consent — too bad for the rest of us.
Second, the result of building 750 houses on the site designated means that for each inch of rain falling on each hectare of greenfield land covered (which currently absorbs the water) 250 cubic metres of water will have to be diverted to drains. These, unless hugely expensive pumping systems are installed (by no means always reliable, and expensive to maintain) will all end up at the lowest point in Crowndale Road — and there to be disposed of — where?
The effect on the present sewage works and the River Tavy of the sort of downpours we often experience can scarcely be imagined, but the vulnerability of Crowndale Road to flooding already is well known enough.
Let's stop this nonsense before it's too late.
Geoffrey M Stowell
The Laurels
The Down
Bere Alston