Decision delayed on controversial Newton Abbot ‘new town’

The latest stage in Newton Abbot’s controversial ‘NA3’ new town project has been delayed after councillors called for more information.

Developers came to Teignbridge Council’s planning committee asking for permission to create a public open space as part of the 1,200-home Wolborough scheme.

But members said they wanted more information before they could give the plan the green light.

Developers Vistry Homes wanted the thumbs-up for the public open space element of the scheme, along with drainage and other pieces of infrastructure in one part of the site.

Council officers say objections raised can be catered for by imposing strict conditions on the development.

The overall Wolborough Barton scheme—approved by a planning inspector in 2021—will see 1,210 new homes being built between Decoy and Ogwell. Developers say it will bring badly-needed new homes, but objectors say it is overdevelopment and will destroy open countryside.

Speaking on behalf of Vistry, Darren Summerfield said the open spaces would mean ‘enhanced habitats for wildlife’, but Cllr Jane Taylor (Ind, Kerswell with Coombe) said she had concerns about the location of a play area as well as worries over access to the site from Coach Road.

She said she and fellow councillors had experienced the traffic problems firsthand during a site visit.

Cllr Jackie Hook (Lib Dem, Bushell) said she had concerns over surface water run-offs from the building site and called for more information.

Committee members voted by a clear majority to defer a decision.

In total, the scheme provides homes, a new primary school, employment land, and community facilities, including a day nursery and a health centre. There will be a local shopping centre, play area, allotments, and a multi-use games area, as well as a link road connecting the A380 and the A381.

Full planning permission has already been given to convert the Wolborough Barton farmhouse into a boutique hotel, restaurant, and bar.