RESIDENTS concerned over plans to build an extra 550 houses in Tavistock packed a public meeting in the town hall on Monday to voice their opinions on the town's development.
The meeting was called by town mayor Cllr Judith Williams in an effort to keep people informed about the draft local plan produced by West Devon Borough Council.
More than 100 residents turned out and extra chairs were needed to accommodate the audience.
Sites earmarked for extra houses over the next ten years include space for 190 dwellings at Monksmead, 110 on land next to Bishopsmead, 120 at the Manor on Launceston Road and a further 100 at Brook, off Plymouth Road.
John Alden was concerned about the Manor site and protection of trees and wildlife in the area.
He said: 'The Manor itself is in disrepair. Could it not be pulled down and a junior school built in its place?'
Hugh Davis made an 'early plea' about retaining local character of new buildings by using appropriate materials like Hurdwick and Mill Hill stone.
Tom Greeves was concerned the Priory site was 'least suitable' — he was also concerned about the Manor from a historical point of view and the environmental dangers of using UPVC.
'It does concern me there is no full-time ecologist working for the borough. I feel this is a very significant omission,' he said.
'If the Sydney Olympic Stadium can be built without UPVC I hope at least the borough will use advice in terms of building design,' he said.
Mark Warne made a plea to the borough council to be forward-looking.
He suggested using some of the town's industrial estates for housing and relocating businesses out to areas like Pitt's Cleave.
Mr Warne said: 'There are ugly districts outside town where businesses could be and would like to be — I think it's something that should not be swept aside.
'I find it incredible we have sites there in the middle of town which could and should be used for housing. Here is the opportunity where we could say, "Take these ugly buildings out and put in sympathetically built houses".'
Jill Stewart-Rattray accepted houses would be 'thrust' on Tavistock but worried the town would become a 'dormitory' of Plymouth with its attendant commuter problems.
'Something has got to be done otherwise we are in danger of creating our own M25 into Plymouth,' she said.
Jenny Shields was worried about the 'diabolical' traffic problems at Bishopsmead, which would only get worse with extra houses and cars.
Many others were worried about the effects of extra people on roads, schools and health facilities.
Stephen Gill, planning chief at the borough council, explained the draft local plan was the product of years of work and 'planning for real' exercises.
He said the borough did not 'accept lightly' the number of houses imposed on West Devon but it was a case of finding the best areas to put them.
'The document has not been prepared in isolation. We have obviously involved the water authorities, education authorities, highways, health etc.
'This is a belt and braces approach and developments will only be allowed subject to that infrastructure being in place,' he said.
Mr Gill said objections and support for the draft local plan must be received by October 23. Special forms must be used — they are available from the council offices and Tavistock Library.