A SECOND application to build homes on a greenfield site in Tavistock has been rejected by West Devon Borough Council, a year after the first proposal was unanimously refused by planners.

In July, developers 3H Investments Ltd submitted a controversial application to build a new housing estate at Butcher Park, north-east of Redmoor Close, of up to 110 homes.

Planning officers made a delegated decision to refuse the application last week.

Earlier this year Tavistock Town Council objected to the plans because it was outside the settlement boundary.

There was also local concern that the increased amount of vehicle movements per day would have a detrimental impact on the area.

The proposal included a 40% level of affordable housing, development of associated access, parking, open space, play space and associated infrastructure.

Planning officers had recommended the application for refusal stating that the proposal would introduce an ‘undesirable pattern of development into the open countryside’ and that building would ‘constitute an unacceptable urban intrusion in the rural area’.

They also said that the proposed development by reason of its siting in the rural landscape would ‘constitute a discordant and incongruous form of isolated development’ failing to harmonise with the existing patterns of buildings nearby.

The absence of a Section 106 agreement was another reason for refusal as the proposal attracted a contribution towards infrastructure involving one-off contributions for drainage works, open space, education, provision of a bus service for a period of three years, the provision of affordable housing and the provision of a rail extension.

The report said that the development had the potential to attract a new homes bonus of approximately £180,460 per annum, payable for a period of six years.

Despite agreeing with the decision to refuse planning, ward member for Tavistock north Cllr Jeff Moody acknowledged a need for affordable housing in Tavistock.

He said: ‘I’m supporting the refusal of the plan. I agree the traffic would create an issue but we do all realise that there is a need for affordable housing in Tavistock.

‘The residents near Redmoor Close were very concerned about the traffic issues. There were plans to put a footpath down which would have caused issues on an already narrow road and hill, especially considering that big lorries come down that hill.

‘In the town council’s plans committee there is a five-year housing land plan, a development strategy and sites have been identified in Tavistock and Butcher Park is outside of the boundaries.

‘However, the developers do now have the right to appeal and permission could very well be granted.’

Several years ago permission for the development of 52 cabin-style holidays homes at Butcher Park was granted after a planning inspector deemed there was a need for this kind of development in Tavistock. However the properties were never built.

David Farrant, a resident living on Butcher Park Hill, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted about the decision and am hoping it won’t go to an appeal.

‘Fingers crossed it doesn’t go any further. Hopefully that is the end of it. They got permission for 52 holiday homes, then they went for 110 homes which seems ridiculous. The council has done a very good thing refusing the application.’