PROPOSALS for a nursery business by the former head gardener of the internationally acclaimed Garden House at Buckland Monachorum have been deferred for a traffic impact study and further consultation with the community.

Planners recently held a site meeting on land adjacent to Didham Farm, Green Lane, Buckland Monachorum where Keith Wiley is proposing to construct a plant nursery, demonstration gardens and associated buildings, biomes and greenhouses.

The plan has met with some local opposition because of concerns over the increase in traffic on narrow approach roads and its impact on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Buckland Monachorum Parish Council also considers that the size and scope of the application is inappropriate for this location.

At a meeting of West Devon Borough Council?s planning committee last week members were told that the educational element of the proposal had been withdrawn.

Further consultations will take place with the parish council and local residents following the change in the application and a traffic impact assessment has also been requested.

Cllr Margaret Garton said the committee needed to have evidence to ensure this business would be a viable one.