RESIDENTS? in Okehampton have the chance to view and comment on plans for 375 new homes on land adjacent to Crediton Road, which go on show at an exhibition today.

Hannard Developments has already been granted outline planning consent for a new school, up to 375 homes, a retail unit and the provision of access for the land north of Crediton Road, adjacent to Chichacott Road.

The latest outline plans, which form the second phase of development by Hannard, will be on display at the Charter Hall today (Thursday) between 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Members of the community are invited to view and comment on the proposals which look to establish further principles on the development of the site, in particular the access and exact number of houses. These plans will be close to the final plans to be submitted to West Devon Borough Council but can still be altered if necessary following this consultation.

Representatives from the development team will be present on the day to explain the proposals and answer any questions.

Town mayor Cllr Paul Vachon said he was sceptical of comments made by Hannard Developments that the development of this site would help fund the proposed link road from Crediton Road to Exeter Road.

He said: 'I think the developer has misunderstood our neighbourhood plan. We are producing one at the moment and it will definitely be key to their development.

'What they are proposing I am not sure of at the moment. As a council we will go into the meeting with an open mind, see what the developers have got planned and see how we can work with them to ensure any development is not detrimental to Okehampton.'

The access has long been a particular talking point regarding the site. In 2013, councillors from both Okehampton Town Council and Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council raised their concerns about the proposed junction and entrance for the site.

The town mayor said the access to the site was still a 'major concern' for both town and parish councillors and he hoped to see a better solution in these latest plans.

A spokesperson for Hannard Developments said: 'We look forward to meeting with the local community and consulting on our outline plans for the development of this site which follows on from the Crediton Road and Chichacott Road site that will provide 375 new homes and a new primary school.

'This second phase will provide much needed new housing and also funding for the Crediton Road – Exeter Road Link Road.'

Hannard Developments is operating a Freephone information line service on 0800 112 3540 to respond to community enquiries and will be updating the dedicated project website http://www.landoffcreditonroad.co.uk">www.landoffcreditonroad.co.uk with the new proposal after the exhibition.

Those people unable to attend the exhibition, or who simply wish to review the information they have already seen, will be able to visit the website, view the proposals and leave online feedback for consideration.