CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride visited Chagford recently to learn more about the town's masterplan, which was officially approved in April. On April 4, the Dartmoor National Park Authority approved a masterplan for a mixed use development with around 100 new houses in Chagford. Mr Stride met with parish council chair Gay Hill and Chagford's county councillor James McInnes, and said he was impressed with what he saw. Mr Stride said: 'Beautiful Devon towns like Chagford are wonderful places to live, but that means local properties always come with a hefty price tag. 'If we want young people to be able to afford to stay in communities that they have grown up in and not price essential workers such as teachers out of the area then it is especially important communities look at the provision of affordable homes and I'm pleased this masterplan focuses firmly on that.' Cllr McInnes said: 'The masterplan sets out where Chagford wants to be in terms of development in the future, which is good news for businesses that can plan ahead and for residents who now know what will be built where. 'The plan has been in the pipeline for several years and I'm delighted that it has been approved and we can look forward to it being implemented.' CG Fry and Son Builders and Blue Cedar Homes have been working on proposals for development on a parcel of land at Bretteville Field and Bellacouch Meadow in Chagford. The area was first identified as having potential for development in the 2009 Chagford Design Statement, prepared by the Chagford community. The Dartmoor National Park Authority has allocated the land, which has an area of 3.7 hectares, in its development management and delivery plan document for mixed use development. The DNPA requires that any development of the site is guided by a masterplan. A variety of house types have been proposed including flats, family homes in a variety of sizes, and affordable housing. As well as 103 new dwellings, the development will have a 70 space public car park with provision for coaches, substantial public open space, and employment space. You can download the masterplan from http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk">www.dartmoor.gov.uk