CONCERNS have been raised by residents in Okehampton regarding a barrier put up on Kellands Lane that allegedly blocks it from being a through road.

Kellands Lane runs through the Meldon Fields estate, owned by Linden Homes, and ends at the bottom of the Persimmons homes site, accessed from Crediton Road. It also crosses over a patch of land owned by Leander Developments.

There are currently two fences put up on the edge of the two sites and residents said they were concerned that the blockage prevented Kellands Lane from being a through road, which it was supposed to be if in accordance with planning authorities.

Town and Borough Councillor Tony Leech said: ‘When the Persimmon Homes site on Crediton Road was being built the people who live on Kellands Lane were not told that it was to be a through road into what was to be the second primary school site and the larger Meldon Fields site.

‘When the developer of the site laid out the roads, they took the extension to Kellands Lane right through to the Persimmons Homes site, but left a timber hoarding across the road to stop access through. They have since put a timber garden fence across the road. I am told that this is actually where their site finishes, and the developer of the old school site owns the rest, and will not allow access.

‘I have also heard from some of those who have purchased properties on the estate that they have been told by the developer that the land is being used as a ransom strip, and there is no prospect of this road joining up, so there is a lot of confusion going on at the moment.

‘This road was always to be a through road both ways, and needs to be opened up now, so that it removes a bit of the pressure off the other town roads.’

‘The biggest issue here is that the more homes that are built in this part of town, the more congestion we get generally. We need the situation on Kellands Lane sorted as it is the easier and quickest option to fix the congestion problems.

‘Making Kellands Lane a through road would allow traffic to flow through the two estates. The issue has gone on for too long, it is a disgrace.’

To help congestion, a separate link road between Crediton Road and Exeter Road is currently in development, however its timescale is vague and the link road could be completed any time up until 2034.

Derek Webber, chairman of Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council, said: As far as we are aware the link road between Crediton Road and Exeter Road is in development, and once built, will be permanent.

‘The long term best solution has to be the link road between Exeter Road and Crediton Road, however this could take a long time to be completed.

‘In the mean time we need the development of these sites in accoradence with the plans, including the through road between the two estates.’

Jane Gillard, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council clerk, said: ‘Long term, the link road would be the best, but Kellands Lane would be a quick fix solution. We need to ensure that the sites have been developed in accordance with the plans.’

A Devon County Council spokesman said: ‘Kellands Lane has not been made a through route as yet as the temporary fence erected by Linden Homes has replaced the Devon bank which was located there. The temporary fence has been erected by Linden Homes on land owned by another developer, Leander Developments.

‘As it is on private land, Devon County Council has no control over the road and adoption of the road can only take place when Leander develops its site. However, we are working closely with the planning authority and developers to try and open the road as soon as possible.’