IT has been revealed that if the Creedy Bridge (Pedlarspool) plan for 275 houses goes ahead, it is unlikely that Sandford Parish Council will receive any Section 106 monies via Mid Devon District Council from the developer funds.

Mid Devon District Councillor, Mrs Judi Binks, in her May newsletter, explains that she was unable to attend a recent meeting held in Sandford after she recently broke her arm.

The councillor for Sandford and Creedy, writes: “However, the purpose of the meeting was for Sandford PC to understand the s106 process and to explore how it could demonstrate a right to some of the monies.

“I understand from feedback that no s106 money is to come to Sandford itself owing to its distance from the site and the perceived minimal impact on the village.

“This news has left Sandford PC feeling rather shell-shocked and wishing it had been involved earlier on in the process. I have personally raised awareness of s106 contributions in respect of Sandford for two years now.

“At some stage, somebody could have helped us to present a proportionate and fair case for s106 contributions to be allocated to Sandford Parish, based on the relevant criteria?

“In my opinion, the following mitigations could be discussed:-

“1) Traffic Management. The continuation of a cycle/pedestrian track linking Sandford village to the new estate and beyond to Crediton and Exeter.

“2) Sandford School. More than half the current intake of pupils come from outside the parish of Sandford. It is a popular and successful school which will attract, without doubt, an even greater number of pupils from the Creedy Bridge estate. Many parents will choose to send their children here creating extra pressure on the School’s resources. Moreover, an increased number of pupil journeys will exacerbate the current traffic congestion in the centre of Sandford caused twice daily by parents driving in from Crediton. Every morning and every afternoon there is gridlock caused by school traffic. The footways are not adequate or safe for parents walking their children to school.

“There is no doubt that the proposed development will impact directly on Sandford School and aggravate the existing traffic congestion in Sandford - unless measures are taken to mitigate increased traffic journeys impact under Section 106 agreement.

“1) Please reconsider the provision of safer footways and cycle tracks connecting Sandford village to the proposed estate.

“2) What is really needed is a school bus service from Crediton to Sandford. Allocate funding to support a bus service for at least two years from a pick up point in Crediton to Sandford School, until it can become economically viable. At present, there are no plans for Devon County Council to build a school on the site at Creedy Bridge, yet there will be an influx of children wishing to go to Sandford School. Getting to Sandford School and parking safely is a nightmare for parents driving their children to school. There is no need for this daily ritual of frustration and a scheme should be mooted now to mitigate its impact under the terms of a s106 agreement.

“Further, extra resources should be allocated to Sandford School to cope with its expansion of pupil numbers, which may well include providing specific learning opportunities to Gypsy and Traveller children from the site.

“I don’t think that Mid Devon has taken sufficient account of the above factors and their impact should be mitigated by infrastructure improvements under s106. It is not fair to assert that Sandford village is too far from the epicentre of development to suffer any impact.

“This is patently not the case and it would be derelict of me if I did not speak out on behalf of this community by asking you to include Section 106 money in favour of Sandford, the originating parish.

“3) Additionally, I would ask for the introduction of preferential system setting aside a quota of Affordable Homes for local people.”

The plan by Gleeson Developments Ltd, also includes up to five gypsy and traveller pitches and the relocation of Crediton Rugby Club, as well as a land reserved for a new primary school, although when the school will be built is a decision for Devon County Council.

• Do you think it is right that all the Section 106 monies go to Crediton Town Council rather than Sandford Parish Council if the plan for 275 houses goes ahead at Creedy Bridge?

Share your views with fellow “Crediton Courier” readers. Write a letter, suitable for publication, with your name, address and a daytime telephone number, to The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

Alternatively, email your letter, with the required information to: [email protected] .