Plans for a major development in Newton Abbot, which includes 1,200 homes, a school, and care homes, are at risk of being derailed, according to recent claims.
Teignbridge District Council met on Monday to discuss the proposed development at Wolborough Barton, Newton Abbot. However, decisions on a crucial road and the construction of the first 94 homes were postponed, citing concerns about parking, access, and potential harm to Wolborough Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Darren Summerfield, representing the developer, warned that the goal of building 200 homes within two years could be jeopardised by any further delays, which he said could "derail" the project.
The debate over the development has stretched on for a decade and shows no signs of resolving soon, especially after the council deferred these key decisions. A planning meeting initially scheduled for August had already been postponed at the last moment.
Opponents of the project, particularly those concerned about the impact on Wolborough Fen near Decoy Country Park (referred to as NA3), argue that the development would harm the delicate ecosystem. Devon Wildlife Trust, which manages the fen, expressed "serious concerns" in the planning report, stating that the proposed road could threaten the long-term health of the protected site.
However, council officers assured that strict conditions on road construction would safeguard the area. The overall Wolborough Barton project received outline approval from the planning inspector in 2020.
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