A CONTROVERSIAL decision to support a major development on a greenfield site in Tavistock was made last week by members of the town council's planning committee. A planning application to build a new housing estate at Butchers Park, north-east of Redmoor Close, was received by West Devon Borough Council in April. Tavistock developers Trand have applied to build 110 residential units — 55 open market and 55 affordable housing — associated access, servicing, parking, open space, allotments, allotment building, playspace and associated infrastructure. Planning permission for 52 timber-clad chalets on the site north of the Butchers Park allotments was granted by a planning inspector in 2010. Cllr Colin Rogers, vice-chair of Tavistock Town Council's plans committee, said he felt the committee was 'between a rock and a hard place' when it came to making a recommendation for the site. He said: 'Trand said that if this application is refused the owners of the site will still go ahead and build the 52 chalets — so for the plans committee, it was a case of which is the lesser of two evils, and we went for what will benefit Tavistock. 'The affordable housing will enable young people from Tavistock, who were born here, to buy and get on the property ladder in their own town. 'We are, however, concerned over the architecture of the units, and feel they are not in keeping with Tavistock whatsoever. We spoke to the company and they then said they were open to discussions — so we put forward a change to the layout.' Before the formal application was put in by the developers a public consultation was held in January. One resident, who lives near Bannawell Street, said: 'The current sewage system is under strain. Manhole covers below Butcher Park Hill frequently become dislodged and Bannawell Street turns into a stream. The addition of housing, hard standing and tarmac can only make the situation worse.' Charles Pearce, who lives in Edgcumbe Drive, Tavistock, said he objected to the development which was outside of the designated development area for Tavistock. 'If we allow one development outside the designated area it will set a precedent for others. 'I also feel with recent building at the Manor, the Redrow development at Anderton Lane and proposed development at Callington Road, Tavistock cannot sustain further development. 'We do not have the infrastructure to cope with yet more vehicles and people.' Public consultation for the 110 housing units ended last Thursday. West Devon Borough Council will make a final decision on the application. A spokesman for the borough said: 'It is the intention of officers that following full assessment of the consultation responses, the planning application will be considered by the planning and licensing committee on or after July 1, 2014.' • A special meeting of the town council's planning committee will meet to discuss designs with the architect tonight (Thursday) at 6.30pm at the council offices. The meeting is open to the public.