ARE they mad? I mean West Devon Borough Council, officers and members alike, for the idiotic plan to build another 300 odd properties on the east side of Okehampton.
Apart from the fact that hundreds of properties have recently been built or are in the course of construction, they are not even awaiting the results of the recent public inquiry into the west Devon Plan. What hubris!
Are they not aware of the mounting traffic difficulties accumulating as a result of the Exeter Road and Link Road developments? Do they think that by adding a roundabout along Crediton Road and providing a link between the new development and Exeter Road, the traffic congestion and eventual gridlock into the town will be solved?
Do they not appreciate that 300 new houses and a new primary school will result in proliferation of traffic activity along the narrow and circuitous Crediton road?
Are they so blinkered that they think additional new properties and population will automatically lead to a more vibrant and economically successful town, instead of leading inhabitants, businesses and visitors shopping elsewhere because of the impossible access problems?
It is about time a stop was put to the proliferation of developments which are slowly strangling what was a unique town, but which is becoming a replica of towns all over the country, losing its identity and ultimately business.
It we, the voters, used our collective strength, we could halt all this madness and rescue a potentially sick town from disaster. Let?s have a go.
Monty Lerer
1 Saddlers Way
Okehampton