Plans for 2,000 new homes given go ahead

Plans to build 2,000 new homes, a primary school, retail space and community facilities in Devon have been approved.

Developers got the green light at a council meeting earlier to build on fields in Woolwell, on the outskirts of Plymouth, despite opposition from people living nearby.

The area falls under South Hams District Council and its planning committee members approved the proposals.

In the meeting, members raised concerns about the level of affordable housing provided.

The scheme is made up of two parts and will deliver an average of 12.5% affordable housing, and members were told that was the maximum amount the developer was prepared to go up to.

Nicky Hopwood, Conservative councillor for Woolwell on South Hams District Council, has opposed the plans for years.

She said: "My concern is quality of life for residents - they do not deserve to have 225 construction vehicles coming through Woolwell on a daily basis."

Ian Lloyd, the authority's principal planning officer, told councillors the project could take between 15 to 20 years to complete.

In response to the decision, Steve Newell, whose house backs onto the development site, said it was "devastating".

"We'll lose all of our views, all of our privacy," he said.

Several councillors said they were against the plans but felt they had to vote in favour because of the council's obligation to meet housing supply targets.

Members said if they refused the plans would go to appeal which would cost taxpayers thousands of pounds.

Councillors had put off making a decision at a previous meeting in November, saying they wanted more information about access to the development and the level of affordable housing to be provided.

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