A PLAN to build a major new housing development on land next to the Tiddy Brook estate in Whitchurch was last week refused by West Devon planning officers.

The application by housing developers Redrow to build up to 120 residential dwellings on land north of Anderton Lane was refused under delegated powers — meaning the decision was made by West Devon Borough Council planning officers without the application needing to be put before the planning committee.

The application, which was submitted after a number of public consultations, was refused for a number of reasons — including development of an unallocated greenfield site outside the settlement boundary; absence of a sequential test in relation to flood risk; loss of green space separating Tavistock and Whitchurch; lack of safe pedestrian routeway; absence of strategic transport contribution; absence of affordable housing contribution; absence of primary school contribution and absence of an off-site playing pitch contribution.

A West Devon Borough Council spokesperson said the main argument put forward by the applicant was that despite the recent approval of the development on the Callington Road site, the council still lacked an adequate five year land supply and that this was a suitable infill site, to which council planners strongly disagreed, saying that further housing on this site was not necessary.

The spokesperson said: 'Following preparation of the report, the local ward councillor, Cllr Alison Clish-Green, said she was satisfied with the application being refused by planning officers under delegated powers. With local views and the adopted policy framework being so clear, they did not see any particular benefit in calling the application to the planning and licensing committee for a decision. The applicants have a right to appeal.'

Redrow did not wish to comment at this time.