IN RESPONSE to unfounded criticism in last week's Okehampton Times about a proposed development in North Tawton by West Devon Homes, this council would like to take the opportunity to put the record straight.

This council is not against development on this site, nor opposed to social housing to meet local needs; in fact quite the reverse. Mr Kinsey was quoting a member of the planning committee when he made a reference to 'the slums of the future'. This quote has been taken out of context and referred purely to the design and density contained in this application and was never meant as a reference to people who live in social housing.

This council would welcome some good quality affordable housing to enable local people to raise their families in a pleasant and safe environment. Members have objected to this scheme because the current proposal would not have satisfied any of those criteria.

It is the hope of the town council that West Devon Homes will now consult, and work with, local people and the council to produce a mutually acceptable proposal for the Barton Hill site, which can be then progressed as quickly as possible to provide much needed housing for local people.

A J Baker

North Tawton

Town Council

I CAN claim to be one of the biggest losers if West Devon Borough Council is bullied into overturning their correct decision in rejecting planning permission to develop 19 new houses in Barton Hill. Not only am I a resident of the road, but I also live within eight feet of one of the properties earmarked for demolition as part of this project.

West Devon Homes Limited would have us believe that their application was declined purely on the basis that this development was unpopular and that it had nothing at all to do with planning issues. This claim is completely untrue and there are many planning issues that prevent this development proceeding in its current form.

In the Local Plan there are two full pages that tackle the current traffic problems that North Tawton currently suffers, I have selected two statements from the plan to re-emphasise this point. 1. 'It is important to avoid a situation where further development is permitted which intensifies highway difficulties.' 2. 'Development which would create or significantly exacerbate traffic congestion in North Tawton will not be permitted.'

If permission is granted then this would clearly be against the local plan; this plan is there to be adhered to and it states nowhere that West Devon Homes Ltd are exempt.

John Milverton (senior planning officer) categorically stated to me at the site visit to Barton Hill, that construction traffic was not a planning issue and therefore the very danger that this definitely posed to the public could not be taken into consideration. Even West Devon Homes Limited themselves have acknowledged that this is a problem.

I have spoken to the planning department at County Hall, who confirm that this statement by Mr Milverton was incorrect and that this is a serious issue that must be taken into account when considering any application. They confirmed that this is stated in the 'Planning Principle Guidelines'.

I am convinced that the original 'unanimous' decision to decline permission for this development was the right one. I regret, however, that I believe that West Devon Homes will try to get this decision reversed. With threats of legal action I am saddened to say I am sure the council will back down.

For their information, I will be monitoring the situation very carefully and will be making an official complaint to the ombudsman if permission is granted. I also hope that the council would assume responsibility for any inevitable road traffic accidents that will happen as a result of this development.

Mike Fisher

12 Barton Hill

North Tawton