Planners reject Newton Abbot homes scheme

Plans to build 33 new homes on the outskirts of Newton Abbot have been rejected unanimously by local councillors.

The plan is for homes at Howton Road in Highweek, and would-be developer Wyse Homes says its proposal helps to meet an urgent local housing need.
It says: “We believe the proposed development has been designed  to create a sense of place reflective of the local environment of Highweek and will make a positive contribution to the local housing stock.
“We further believe that this development raises the bar in terms of design and sets a benchmark for future development in the area.”
But Newton Abbot Town Council has raised objections over road safety, crime prevention and waste disposal.
Wyse Homes was denied planning permission by Teignbridge District Council for homes off Howton Barton Lane in 2018 but then won its case at appeal. However, that permission has now lapsed, leading to the latest application.
Members of the town council’s planning committee heard that Teignbridge Council’s waste department had expressed doubts about how bin lorries would get to the site.
Police also called for changes to the plans to make the homes less vulnerable to crime.
Committee members also said they were concerned about the extra traffic using narrow Howton Barton Lane.
Cllr Alan Gibbs (Con, College) said: “There’s going to be another 60-plus cars, so it won’t be a quiet road for very long.”
Town council members objected unanimously to the scheme, which also includes two self-build plots, and will now pass their opinions on to Teignbridge Council.