RESIDENTS are being urged to attend a public exhibition next week, regarding a plan to develop a major extension to the Tiddy Brook estate in Tavistock.

People living near the proposed development have been contacted by letter, informing them of initial proposals.

The scheme concerns land to the rear of Tiddybrook, bounded at the northern edge by Whitchurch Primary School, the western edge by the old railway line and houses on Whitchurch Road, and the southern edge by Anderton Lane.

Housing giant Redrow says the development would be 'family focused with a range of open market and affordable housing' and is likely to include approximately 75 houses.

Keith Annis, planning director of Redrow for the South West, said in the letter to nearby residents: 'Redrow recognises the sensitivities that surround development proposals and aims to create attractive and sustainable homes which people would be proud to live in.'

Mr Annis said the exhibition, which will be held on Thursday, July 25 in Whitchurch Community Hall, would provide the public with the opportunity to view the draft proposals, and discuss them with members of the project team.

Alison Wright, who lives on Whitchurch Road, said: 'This particularly beautiful meadow is an important remaining part of the Tiddy Brook valley, grazed by sheep and cattle as it would have been for centuries, with streams, marshy areas, many mature trees and hedgerows and a great deal of wildlife.  

'The land is not designated for any sort of development under the WDBC Core Strategy adopted in 2011 or the South and South West of Tavistock Masterplan adopted on 30 April 2013 — which of course already allow for up to 750 new houses to be built off Callington Road.  

'I think it would be desperately sad to lose this very special area under concrete and tarmac.'

Alison Clish-Green, the West Devon ward member for Tavistock South West, said she applauded the developer for consulting with the public at such an early stage.

'This is what localism is all about, taking opinions into account, so, good for the developers for being up-front about it.

'I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about it, either for it or against, to attend the exhibition and make their views known to Redrow, and if people want to contact me that would be helpful, as I am there to represent them.'

A spokesperson for West Devon Borough Council, which is the local planning authority, said Redrow had not made any contact with the authority regarding its proposal, or the public exhibition.

The spokesperson said the site under consideration was outside the Tavistock settlement boundary and had not been allocated for housing.

Cllr Alison Clish-Green said people could contact her on 01822 614879.

The public exhibition will be open from 3pm until 7pm, during which time a team from Redrow will answer questions and receive comments.