Planning inquiry begins into 1,200-home project

A planning inquiry into a controversial 1,200-home development is set to begin on Tuesday.

The inquiry is expected to look into questions about the impact of the development on Wolborough Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The inquiry will consider three appeals from Baker Estates and Vistry Devon South West against decisions by Teignbridge District Council relating to detailed proposals within the site on the edge of Newton Abbot.

Rows over development at the site have been going on for more than a decade.

At a hearing in February planning inspector Tom Bristow said he had "rarely encountered as wide a gulf" between a council and a developer as he had in this case.

Outline planning permission was granted by the planning inspector in 2021 for 1,210 homes, a school and two care homes.

Wolborough Fen is described as "one of the finest remaining valley fens in south-west England" by the Devon Widlife Trust, which is opposing the development plans.

The Wolborough Residents Association claims the "groundwater that sustains the fen could be permanently disrupted" if the development goes ahead.

Peter Sadler, divisional managing director at Vistry, said the inquiry would "ensure a transparent and rigorous examination of the issues and allow all the technical evidence to be considered in full".

He said: "Our Phase 2A development does not encroach on the Wolborough Fen catchment area, and Natural England have confirmed on multiple occasions that they have no objection to the development proceeding."

The inquiry is due to last until 12 August with a decision expected to be made at a later date.

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