I HAVE been asked to write and give a brief account as to why I voted 'no' to the proposed 900 house development to the east of Okehampton town.

As a West Devon Borough Councillor my duty is to represent the wishes of the electorate and help preserve our beautiful countryside. This is what I am trying to do!

If the development of these houses goes ahead, this will mean a total of 1,400 more houses plus a school at the east of the town. This could easily put an extra 2,000+ cars on our roads.

Can we imagine the chaos on Exeter and Crediton Road if just a few of these residents need to 'pop' down to the chemist, bank, post office, doctor's surgery or to Hatherleigh?

The pre-submission core strategy goes:-

l it will be important to ensure that the development links well with the existing town, and does not become a separate community

l a development of this size could be expected to have its own identity, but its design and layout will need to draw the best of the existing distinct character of the town

l as the area is a significant distance from the town centre, shopping trips are unlikely to be made on foot. A convenience shop of a similar size to that on Exeter Road would be unlikely to impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre

l there may also be scope within this proposal to accommodate other facilities for the community. This could mean a public house or a community centre. Such facilities would further have an impact on reducing the number of car trips to the town centre, and help create a community focal point for the residents in the eastern part of the town.

I accept that we have to have these houses, but do we have to sacrifice everything we hold dear about our tow? The beauty and character is fast disappearing — the green ruralness is fast becoming a tarmac and concrete jungle.

Houses all being crammed into every square inch of land — what about the trees, plants and wildlife? The beautiful countryside at the east of the town will disappear.

I have spoken to numerous people and all share the view that the north of the town would be acceptable (the development would surround the town and encourage shoppers to come into the town rather than avoiding it).

We realise that the planning officers and their committee have a very difficult and often thankless job to do, operating under enormous constraints imposed by the government whilst it is somewhat reassuring to know that the core strategy is held under review in the light of changing circumstances.

We must remain ever vigilant and active ensuring that the decisions and actions we take now, are indeed in the best interest for our town and the residents.

Edna Hicks

The Heathers

Okehampton