I READ with an increasing sense of deja vu about a planning application for 148 new homes to the north west of Tavistock (Times, July 28, page 3 ‘New homes plan is Opposed’) which is opposed by town councillors on the grounds that the land falls outside of the allocation under the new Joint Local Plan.

The article concludes ‘The final decision lies with West Devon Borough Council...’.

Unfortunately, the decision may not be final. Such was the case with a proposed development on Brook Lane to the south of Tavistock. A proposal to build 23 houses was opposed by local residents on the basis of road safety and unsustainability. Again, the land was outside of the Local Plan and, following a site visit, the WDBC Planning and Licencing Committee voted unanimously to reject the application.

However, the Plymouth-based developer appealed and an unnamed and unelected government inspector reviewed the case and overturned the decision. So much for local democracy!

Presumably the appeal decision was based on national housing concerns rather than local safety concerns. So be warned. . .it’s not over ‘till it’s over.

C Miller

Tavistock