RESIDENTS and councillors this week expressed their concerns over a proposed development of up to 375 new houses on the outskirts of Okehampton — but councillors say they have no choice but to approve the application.

The outline planning application for land north of Crediton Road includes up to 375 houses, a primary school, a convenience store, public open space and the provision of access.

The application was considered by Okehampton Town Council's planning committee on Monday night.

Concerns from residents included issues with roads, pedestrian pathways, increase in traffic, environmental damage and the lack of a community centre.

Resident Valerie Cushing said she was told by West Devon Borough Council that if the primary school was a state school, a community or neighbourhood centre could be incorporated, but if it was a free school, it would be harder to include such a centre.

She said: 'The developers don't mention a community centre, just space for a school and for retail.

'There's a mis-match between what people would like and what the developers expect.'

Cllr Tony Leech said that as the legislation stood, it could only be an academy, a free school or a co-operative and it would be up to whoever runs the school as to whether they would incorporate a community centre.

He said: 'As I understand it, we are looking at an area for community extra — whether that is a shop with a community hall or a church.

'It has got to be as close to the school as possible.

'The truth is that its down to what the developer would like — there's still lots of negotiations to go on between West Devon Borough Council and the developer.'

Concern was also shown for proposed pedestrian access onto Chichacott Road.

Chris Hurley, who lives on the road, said: 'On the plan there appears to be pedestrian access onto the road.

'There's an existing path into Abbey Rise, and the plan shows the path coming out into the new development.

'I'm extremely concerned about safety.

'Cars come along that single track road at speed, if the path is put in, you would get people and children coming out from there — it's an accident waiting to happen.

'I'm concerned people would drop their children off at Chichicott Road for them to walk up the footpath to the school.

'We are going to get more walking traffic across that road — I think the chaos and mayhem would be extreme.'

The worry for Cllr Paul Vachon was the apparent lack of consideration taken from public consultation.

He said: 'We all went to the workshop and came up with various plans, but this plan doesn't bear any resemblance.

'When they say public consultation, that doesn't mean anything's going to change and that worries me.'

Cllr the Rev Mike Davies was keen to reiterate that it was an outline application and that there would be 'plenty of opportunity to talk about provision'.

Although he had concerns himself about the pressure the development would put on the town, he said: 'We have an opportunity to work with West Devon Borough Council to take all these points into consideration.'

Cllr Leech said the committee had to look at the application as a whole.

'We have to decide from pure planning details.

'It's part of the core strategy, something's going to be built there.

'This is an outline application, it's already gone to the core strategy. I can't see that we can say no to it — we will have to work hard in the next stage of the process.'

Cllr Jan Goffey agreed.

She said: 'Basically we have no option but to approve it, but we should state that we approve it but with concerns.'

Councillors voted to approve the application. The decision is due to be ratified by the full council.

The borough council will be responsible for making a final decision on the plan at a later date.