10,000 new homes for West Devon. This was the figure quoted by council officer Marion Playle, head of housing and strategic development, at the council meeting in April, as the estimate of new homes required for West Devon.

Council 'research' suggests that changes in living patterns and the need for more affordable housing would require this massive expansion. Given that it has taken 1,000 years to reach 29,500 homes so far, a more then 30% increase over the next decade or so is truly remarkable.

I accept local people cannot afford properties whilst their average salaries (except public sector) are 30% below national levels, but with the economic health of West Devon rooted at 64% of the national average (in other words no new jobs or businesses) this situation will remain.

I have lived in many market towns up-country and witnessed how they become chocked to death by the garrotte of characterless housing estates spreading seamlessly around their perimeters. How ironic that whilst one council department is trying to throttle its two market towns, another is bidding for lottery funding to preserve its cultural and social heritage!

Whilst I fully support the need for a Core Strategy, the recommendations in this draft are the most damaging this region could ever embark upon. I respect my fellow councillors' long and distinguished history with the region but it beggars belief that they can sign up for something which will do irreversible damage to the social, cultural and historical heritage of West Devon – the very things they cherish the most.

We are blessed with the most beautiful of natural surroundings and environment, factors which have shaped our communities' evolution in a balanced and sustainable way.

West Devon does not need to be a Thames Valley or Tescoville, we should be proud that our market towns are some of the few left in England and not rush headlong into an irreversible building programme which satisfies only the developers and the council coffers.

According to Mrs Playle the consultation will allow for 'minor tweaking' of the content, in which case local democracy needs to flex its muscles and make it clear to the council just who they serve.

Cllr Chris Jenkins

Conservative

Tavistock South