ONE of the points Kilbride attempts to make in its favour with regard to the proposed regeneration of the rail link for the above is: 'Enhancement of existing environmental and natural resources . . .'.
Yet this in the context of the proposed development in an area adjacent to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. What good is such an area if a development is allowed adjacent to it which will be so devastatingly invasive?
It is not the proposed regeneration of the line itself I object to though, which has much in its favour. It is the effect the whole proposed development will have on what is at present a beautiful, peaceful and untrammelled part of the Tavy Valley.
A new road across the (as yet) unspoiled valley; a new bridge over the river; the continuation of the road right through the hamlet of Brook; the possible loss of an extensive wood along the canal (I haven't seen any sign that it will not be lost); Is this protecting the countryside?
Of course, if it all does go ahead, the huge increase in car activity arising from the extra households cannot possibly be expected to be absorbed by any rail link, so hence the argument for a new road link to the Plymouth road.
But where are West Devon Borough Council's priorities? If they claim, like Kilbride, to be environmentally sensitive, they should not be proposing the scheme in this form.
Finally, claiming that the line will create ' a defensible and lasting boundary with the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' should not be taken as read, as boundaries of all kinds have a nasty habit of being moved, as the inhabitants of Brook found to their cost quite recently.
The whole development is no doubt needed and can be justified but please, no devastation of the valley with a road across the fields and please no claims to sensitivity to the countryside unless they can be proved.
Jeremy Davies
Tavistock