Exclusive by Alan Quick

OPPOSITION to an outline planning application submitted to Mid Devon District Council for the erection of approximately 60 dwellings, a doctors’ surgery and means of access in Copplestone is building.

A petition has been started by Alice Edwards on the website: change.org entitled: Copplestone: Stop More Houses at Dulings Farm.

The petition states: “Help stop the building of approximately 60 houses with means of access on arable land to the east of Dulings Farm and Dulings Meadow (NGR 277744 102582), adjacent to Elston Lane. 

“It is vital we prevent the building of houses on this land because:

• More houses in the village would create a huge strain on the village facilities, such as the school, when Copplestone has already been home to two new large housing sites in the past 15 years (Dulings Meadow and Bishop’s Drive). 

• It would increase traffic congestion in the village largely.

• It would destroy land used, appreciated and loved by the village. 

• It would destroy very valuable, arable and historic land. 

• It would disrupt and destroy the strong natural population/habitats of the land.

“We do not need more houses in Copplestone, especially not at such a price to the community. Please sign and share this petition to save Copplestone!”

Comments have already been made about the plan and Linda Scarborough from Crediton says: “Too much development, no supporting amenities. Keep our green spaces green!”

Kenneth Nott of Copplestone, said: “The school is overfull now, and once again more valuable land will be lost.”

Emma Hughes of Copplestone, said: “My home will be at increased risk of flooding, the garden has flooded twice since the Dulings Meadow estate was built.

“The school is already unable to take children who currently live in the village. The roads around the village are already busy with speeding cars on the A377.”

The applicant is Mr L Dulling, PCL Planning of Silverdown Office Park, Fair Oak Close, Clyst Honiton, near Exeter.

The application number is 16/00924/MOUT.

The application affects a public right of way.

Letters and comments would be welcomed by Mid Devon District Council.

Email: [email protected]  quoting the planning reference number or write to: Planning, Mid Devon District Council, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6PP.

• What do you think of the plan for 60 new houses and a doctors’ surgery at Copplestone?

If you have a view, why not share it with fellow “Courier” readers?

Send a letter, suitable for publication, to the Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .