A Devon village is the target location for a proposal for 66 homes even though strong opposition to the plans by residents includes the view it is “madness”.
Wain Homes has drawn up plans for the new development on the western edge of Thorverton on a green field near Lynch Road.
But a public consultation conducted by the developer on the plans in June shows that 75 respondents – equivalent to nearly nine in every 10 people surveyed – opposed the scheme, with 68 of those selecting ‘strongly oppose’.
Just six villagers supported it and three were neutral.
Key reasons for opposition by residents include fears about traffic and access, pressure on local services, road safety, and the impact on the character of the village.
The consultation suggested some respondents weren’t objecting to the notion of new homes being built, but more the lack of additional infrastructure to support it.
Resident Bradley Pugh called the plan “madness” to build that number of homes behind his garden.
“The sewer system will never handle this amount of new builds,” he said.
“The water drainage will never work, the amount of traffic that would use Lynch Road would be a danger for people and kids who live here, and the wildlife would be destroyed that use the land.
“This has not been thought through and our privacy will suffer badly.”
Fellow resident John Truswell accepted the premise that new homes were needed, but had “serious concerns regarding infrastructure, safety, and the wellbeing of current residents”.
“The village consists of very narrow lanes which are wholly unsuitable to accommodate the additional traffic generated by these new households,” he said.
“These lanes already struggle to manage existing traffic, including agricultural vehicles, delivery vans, emergency vehicles, and school traffic.”
He added that the local primary school has “no available capacity” or physical space for expansion, and that existing village services were “already limited” and that “further strain could lead to long-term detriment to residents’ quality of life”.
However, Thorverton Cricket Club noted that there was a “requirement for financial contributions towards local sports provision should the scheme be approved”.
“We wish to put forward our proposal for a new pavilion, approved in December 2025, as an appropriate project,” the club said.
“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this with relevant officers or the applicants directly.”
The developer has acknowledged that the site sits outside the boundary where development is considered acceptable for Thorverton, but that the village centre was within easy walking distance of the site.
It also wants to make 20 of the homes affordable, with a mix of tenure between affordable rented and shared ownership.
“It is a sustainable settlement with two churches, an NHS primary care facility, a village hall, post office, a general store, a farm shop, allotment garden, two pubs, a cricket and football club, and a primary school,” the developer stated in planning documents.
Wain Homes added that it had listened to the community in terms of what facilities they would want, and that while a community centre no longer forms part of the proposed development, there will be a community orchard and allotments.
It is possible a second access could be added that would solely be for emergency vehicles and active travel users, such as cyclists and walkers. The firm added a separate pedestrian and cycle link would be provided at the southern boundary to connect future residents to the recreation field, existing residential areas and bus stops.
The application is likely to be considered by Mid Devon District Council’s planning committee. It has to be determined by mid-December, according to the council’s website.
Executive backs new five-year strategy for a thriving Exeter city centre
“Industrial source” pollution warning lifted at eleventh hour allowing community ‘Big Dip’ to take place
Overdue fines scrapped at Devon’s libraries
Library charity tight-lipped on possible job losses
Appeal following roadside altercation Woodbury Common
National Trust eyeing bid for new path to reinstate circular walk
Introducing the new Dartmoor Challenge Badge
Summer rescues prompt RNLI safety reminder as cover reduces for autumn season
Teen artists star in Marilyn Monroe competition
Dawlish Business Support & Networking Event -
East Devon District Council launches EdenServ to deliver waste and recycling services
Major discounter submits store plans for Devon’s newest town
Fatal collision, B3181 near Cullompton
The curious quandary of trying to build more homes
Short closures planned for Exe Estuary Trail maintenance near Dawlish
Reflecting on an extraordinary summer for Fire Service
