Teignmouth green field developers: 'We've not given up hope'

A DEVELOPER has confirmed it still wants to build a housing estate on a green field on the outskirts of Teignmouth.

The area earmarked off Shepherd's Lane was taken out of the latest Teignbridge Plan, a blueprint for future planning options in the district over the coming years.

Despite this, developer Waddeton Park Ltd is not giving up building there and says it feels the site is 'suitable' for homes.

It has contacted Teignbridge Council to investigate future proposals.

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The land had previously been listed as a possible site for up to 200 homes on the fields before it was removed from the Local Plan after opposition.

Tim Baker, development manager for Waddeton Park Ltd, said: "The Government is encouraging developers to build on sites that are sustainable and we believe this is.

"In the last Local Plan, this site was seen as suitable for development but was taken out in the latest version. I don't see what has changed in terms of the site and planning.

"We won't be putting in an application in 2012, but we aren't expecting the town council to be wildly enthusiastic when we do."

The company has asked Teignbridge Council for a 'scoping opinion' for residential development on land around Shepherds Lane, both in fields opposite Teignmouth Community School Mill Lane campus, and between Shepherds Lane and the Moor View Drive area.

This is where a developer formally contacts the planning department asking what information should be included within an environmental statement.

Mr Baker added: "The reason for asking for a scoping letter is to see what issues we'd have to cover and work on in terms of environmental implications at the site.

"The area would need to be surveyed to see if there are any issues with cirl buntings, a protected species or dormice for example.

"We'd investigate this further, address issues and see whether we could develop the site and whether we could work with the implications.

"We'd then consider whether to submit an application."

Bishopsteignton Cllr Alun Williams and West Teignmouth Cllr David Cox are concerned about any possible potential development on the area.

Cllr Cox said the news was concerning as developers 'almost certainly' put in planning applications after a scoping opinion.