Dates have been set for a major public inquiry which will decide one of Devon’s longest-running planning wrangles.
Teignbridge Council’s headquarters at Forde House in Newton Abbot will host the inquiry which is currently scheduled to spread over six days.
It follows a hearing earlier this year during which a planning inspector said he had never known a case in which the opinions of the two sides were so far apart.
At the crux of the inquiry will be the Wolborough Fen, a listed Site of Special Scientific Interest, which lies in the valley below a huge development taking shape at Wolborough.
Developers Vistry Devon say the fen, which is home to a number of rare plant species which cannot be found anywhere else in the county, is in safe hands.
But objectors including the Devon Wildlife Trust fear the water running off the development site will damage the ‘priceless’ fen and its rare plants forever.
The overall Wolborough development – known locally as NA3, received outline planning permission in 2020 for more than 1,200 homes, a primary school, employment space, community facilities, open space, roads and drainage.
The inquiry will hear three appeals, the first on a proposal by Baker Estates for 150 homes on part of the site.
In December 2024 the application was refused by Teignbridge’s planning committee after concerns over drainage, a reliance on private cars, insufficient provision for safe walking and cycling and the amount of play space provided. Baker Estates is appealing against the refusal.
The second appeal, by Vistry Devon South West, relates to an application for public open space, green infrastructure and drainage works which was turned down by the planning committee in December 2024 amid concerns around drainage, limited pedestrian and cycle access and the location and provision of play areas.
The third – and most contentious – appeal is also by Vistry Devon South West, and relates to measures designed to protect the fen.
Because a decision was not made by Teignbridge Council within a statutory timescale, Vistry has lodged an appeal against non-determination.
The inquiry will be held in person at Forde House and online from August 4 to 7, and online only on August 11 and 12. The Inquiry will begin at 10am on August 4 and 9.30am on subsequent days, unless otherwise directed by the inspector.
Members of the public are welcome to attend in person, but all sessions will be live-streamed via this link https://orlo.uk/P3dKq
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