THE developer behind outline plans for 150 homes and a new school site in Okehampton has responded to criticism of the plans by local councillors.

Hannard Developments Ltd has put together the outline scheme for land off Crediton Road and adjacent to Chichacott Road.

At a showing of the plans, councillors from both the town council and Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council shared their concerns that the single access road off Crediton Road into the estate could become a bottleneck and the site of potential accidents.

In a statement, the developer said: 'As part of the forthcoming outline planning application for land off Crediton Road and adjacent to Chichacott Road, a site which benefits from an allocation for development within West Devon Borough Council's Core Strategy, Hannard Developments is looking to agree in principle an access point off Crediton Road.

'Careful consideration has been given to the proposed location of the access point and initial discussions have been held with Devon County Council's Highways Department over a suitable position.

'Given other entrances to estate roads locally on Crediton Road it is deemed that this proposed location offers the only logical and safe solution, a view that County Council Highways have agreed with by offering their support for the location in principle.

'We would like to reassure the local community that any approved access point would comply fully with safety requirements and a full transport assessment will form part of the outline planning application.

'Hannard Developments has taken great care when drawing up its outline proposals to consider the potential impact a new primary school would have. As such the proposals make sufficient allowance for school drop-off and collection within the site, and would thus not necessitate parents stopping elsewhere. Furthermore, the single access point would be more than adequate to serve the needs of both the school and new homes.'

The outline plans have gone through a public consultation stage until today (Thursday). Comments received in this period could help to shape the potential layout of the plans.

To find out more information about the plans visit http://www.landoffcreditonroad.co.uk">www.landoffcreditonroad.co.uk