TAVISTOCK commuters could face significant delays on the A386 if a new 2,000-home develop-ment is built on the northern edge of Plymouth, a council leader has warned.

Last week Plymouth City Council announced plans to create a 228-acre housing community at Woolwell with developers Hannick Homes.

The plans, which also include a new health centre and school, come after a lengthy planning process that saw developers bid to build a housing community next to the city’s disused airport.

West Devon Borough Council leader, Councillor Phillip Sanders has pledged to work closely with all parties concerned to reduce the impact on commuters into Plymouth from West Devon.

He added: ‘I do have concerns that any further development in the Woolwell area will inevitably place further pressure on the A386 which is already a very busy commuter route for many residents of West Devon.

‘The three areas that would be most affected and already are very busy are The George Hotel junction, Derriford roundabout and the Woolwell roundabout by Tesco.

‘I think at the moment my view is that we need to sit down before the development begins and come up with some sort of plan.

‘An alternative traffic solution needs to be found but the highway authorities are really the only people who can answer that question.

‘My opinion is that the roads are already at capacity and under a lot of pressure but I‘m not sure if others would agree with me there.’

Despite his fear of traffic congestion affecting commuters Cllr Sanders said he believes the development is necessary.

He added: ‘With the pressure for houses for people in our area I welcome the principle of this development which will go some way to meeting current needs.

‘I think in terms of providing houses for people who need them it is a positive thing but we have got to take into account the impact this could have on people already living in Woolwell and Bickleigh and improve commuter routes too.

‘We will therefore be looking to work closely with South Hams as the Planning Authority and Plymouth City and Devon County Councils, who are the highway authorities, to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to deal with this important matter.’