DETAILED plans for 93 new houses in Chagford have been revealed for the first time.

Developer CG Fry and Son Ltd revealed the proposed development on land between Lower Street and Westcott Lane which also includes a 70 space car park, public toilets, a new fire station and employment units.

At the moment it is planned for 33 of the dwellings – 35% – to be affordable homes.

The area was first identified as having potential for development in the 2009 Chagford Design Statement, prepared by the Chagford community. The plan was formally approved by the Dartmoor National Park Authority earlier this year.

The benefits to the community have helped to shape the design of the plans significantly. David Lohfink, land and planning director for CG Fry and Son, said the inclusion of the car park, which was an important part of the Chagford Design Statement, was the 'cornerstone' of the designs.

The employment units are required by the approved masterplan and have been created to offset the loss of jobs at the garage currently on the site.

The units would take the form of a two-storey block of small, flexible business units and the building also includes the public toilets on its ground floor.

The creation of a new fire station was proposed by the parish council,and would lead to a new facility more fit for purpose.

Mr Lohfink said: 'There has been an interesting mix of inputs to get us to this stage. Some have been driven by policy and some community driven. These plans are the result of a long consultation period.

'The community to their credit recognised the need for development to bring new blood into the town and provide new houses.

'Naturally there has been some opposition to these plans but there always is. This scheme has been community led since 2009.

'People have been concerned about traffic, drainage on the site and infrastructure, school provision, healthcare provision and so on. But I am working on up to 27 sites at any one time and this is definitely among the most positive.

'We have had an awful lot of consultation already. We are very conscious this is such an important site for the national park and the Chagford community. We have got to do it right. We have had far more consultation than if we were developing in a bigger town or even somewhere like Okehampton.'

The level of affordable housing is below the 50% aspiration of the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

'In a poor market, 50% would really be going some,' said Mr Lohfink. 'You have to strike a balance between delivering policy aspirations and delivering value for the landowner and the community.

'The 70 space car park, the public toilets and the fire station all add cost to the scheme. You've got to balance somehow to provide those community assets. so maybe the affordable housing is less.'

Chagford parish councillor Anne Thorn said: 'My thoughts as an individual, not representing the council, are that this is a good idea and it is a positive scheme.

'There are always going to be people who object to new developments and schemes like this. But I would say that the reaction within the community has been more positive than negative.

'I was impressed by the presentation put on by CG Fry and felt it addressed the concerns I had over the scheme. In general, I think it is very positive.'

A planning application has already been submitted for development of part of the site by Blue Cedar Homes, with 15 houses for older people at the front of the site facing Lower Street.

CG Fry and Son is welcoming comments and feedback on the detailed design scheme. To share your comments you can e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected], call 01308 482000 or visit http://www.cgfry.co.uk">www.cgfry.co.uk by Monday, December 1.