RESIDENTS in Okehampton are attempting to drum up support as they prepare to launch their opposition to the new houses proposed in the town. A petition and a possible protest meeting outside the borough council offices in Tavistock are in the pipeline. A letter from Okehampton resident Carol Hookway outlining her strong objections to plans for 1,400 new homes planned for the town has already gone to the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. She has also sent copies to Housing Minister Ian Wright, West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox, as well as to local councils. Proposals from the Government, outlined in West Devon Borough Council's Local Development Framework, would see a minimum of 900 extra homes built in Okehampton by 2026. This will be on top of the 500 new homes that are currently being developed and would lead to a total of 1,400 new homes in Okehampton over an 18 year period. Mrs Hookway told the Times: 'The infrastructure in the town is not up to the standard to take all this extra pressure. 1,400 new houses in a small town of around 7,000 people will have a great affect on the day to day lives of the residents that already live here. 'It seems to me that it is all being pushed on this town far too quickly. The opinion of a large number of residents in this town is that a complete "new town" be built. This would at least ensure relevant infrastructure is in place from the start. 'This town has changed dramatically in the past 10 to 12 years and not for the better. We'll wake up one morning and Devon and Cornwall will be covered in concrete. We need to make a stand.' Public views on West Devon Borough Council's Local Development Framework are due to be into council by Friday, March 14. The council have stated previously that the housing numbers are not up for them to decide but they have to find somewhere to put the houses and they have to be delivered in sustainable locations —such as Okehampton and Tavistock. However, this has not been deemed good enough for many residents who will be forming a petition in the coming week with the hope of generating more support. They are also in need of a public address system as they hope to shout their message out loud and clear. If enough support can be gathered they plan on holding a protest meeting outside the West Devon Borough council offices in Tavistock. Anyone who wishes to pledge their support or can suggest further ways to take this opposition forward should contact Carol Hookway on 01837 54723. A PUBLIC meeting to discuss WDBC's Local Development Frame-work will be held on Wednesday, March 12 at 7pm in the Charter Hall, Okehampton. Okehampton mayor, Tony Leech, and Okehampton Hamlets chairman, Derek Webber, will chair the meeting. All are most welcome to attend.
