PROPOSALS which could see up to 500 new homes built to the east of Okehampton are to be scrutinised by West Devon planners at a site meeting.

Councillors will look in detail at the plans by Persimmon Homes and Leander Homes and Richard Coombes for the 15.4-hectare site which is also being earmarked for a second primary school in the town.

Persimmon Homes' application for 103 dwellings was deferred at a meeting of West Devon Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday because of a number of outstanding issues, including drainage and landscaping.

But it was also recommended to hold a site visit because of the importance of the site and relationship of the proposal to other dwellings.

Members were told that an outline application for the remainder of the site had also just been submitted and so it was decided to look at both proposals together at the site meeting.

The land was identified for residential development in the local plan but a large increase in homes to the east of Okehampton has not been without controversy.

Cllr Christine Marsh said it was going to happen — there was nothing anyone could do to stop it, but what planners needed to ensure was that they got the best for the area.

She said: 'We have to make sure we get the best for our kids in terms of green spaces and education and that the infrastructure is right.

'There is a lot of detail that needs to be gone into. The site has already been identified in the local plan but it is the community contribution from the developers that we need to look at.

'A little more imagination in terms of design and what is in keeping with the area would also be good.'

The site visit for both applications will look at the relationship of the proposals to other developments, the design in relation to the surrounding properties, the effect on the amenity of the adjoining occupiers and the access arrangements, including the proposed access to the school site.

Cllr James McInnes said: 'The applications are very much connected with the future provision for the new primary school and a link road between Exeter Road and Crediton Road.

'There are also many other community issues, which have to be taken into account.'

Campaigners against the borough council plans to increase the number of homes in Okehampton by 900 by 2026, based on Government directives, took their fight to 10 Downing Street in October. They presented a 2,653 signature petition highlighting their concerns.

The Okehampton Sustainable Development Group said there was a danger of 'spoiling the town' from overdevelopment.

'It's not just the increase in population, it's the problem with the sewers, the school and the traffic,' said group member Carol Hookway.