Sites which could accommodate about 40 per cent of new homes envisaged in the local plan consultation are located in the heart of Teignbridge.

Some residents challenge the logic of planning for almost 3,000 new homes in the Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton and Kingskerswell area, as it has already seen new homes built in recent years and more homes are in the planning pipeline.

With Newton Abbot at the heart of the district, it has been the focus for employment, services and facilities.  Unlike other areas, it has many core services and facilities such as a community hospital, good nursery, primary and secondary school provision as well as a higher education college. 

Past development means that transport links are already being improved with multi million pound road investment including on the new South Devon link road and the A382 widening. Public transport as well as a mainline railway station adds to its attraction for new residents as does improved cycle routes and more than £9 million government funding attracted to support the regeneration of the 800 year old market town.

As many people in and around Newton Abbot enjoy the best facilities in the district, it makes sense for a significant proportion of sites needed to meet the Government’s housing requirement of land to accommodate 751 homes a year to be built where the infrastructure exists to support local people and which provides a solid base for future expansion

Teignbridge Executive Member for Planning Cllr Gary Taylor said:  “The alternative is to start from scratch in new green field areas and not only have to build new homes but invest in new infrastructure and services.  This would use far more open space, be far more costly and have a more damaging impact on the environment.

 “The 24 sites identified for the heart of Teignbridge are where new residents will benefit from the greatest access to jobs, healthcare, education, shops, sustainable transport links and other essential services.”

 The existing Neighbourhood Plans for Newton Abbot, Abbotskerswell and Ogwell also help manage any new development as these lay down design standards for some types of development and have safeguards for the natural environment and heritage assets.

 Cllr Taylor said:  “We want local people to look at the choice of sites in the local plan, complete the survey and give us their views on whether there are sound planning reasons as to why they should not be included in the local plan.”