DOZENS of residents took to the streets to protest against the perceived infrastructure problems associated with the proposed major housing development in Okehampton. The residents, predominantly from the Limehayes area, came out in force to highlight their apprehension against the scheme to build 540 homes between Exeter Road and Crediton Road. The protest was organised by Conservative Mel Stride, prospective parliamentary candidate for the new Central Devon seat. It followed the launch of a parliamentary petition by the MP for West Devon and Torridge, Geoffrey Cox, which calls on the Government to act in respect of the infrastructure problems which many feel will result from the planned development. Mt Stride told the protesters: ?This is not a protest against local councils who have had to work within the system. ?It is a protest against a planning process laid down by central government which neither provides adequate resources for proper infrastructure nor for the concerns of local people to be properly heard. ?We need development, and above all new affordable housing for local people ? but the developments themselves must be sustainable. ?They must be accompanied by sufficient local infrastructure that includes roads, schools, shops, buses and healthcare.? He said later that around 3,000 properties in Okehampton had been visited to raise signatures for the petition. Mr Stride said he had also written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, expressing concerns about the planning process and enclosing a photo of the demonstration. ?At least he will be able to see for himself how strongly people in Okehampton feel about this issue,? he said.
