Exclusive by Alan Quick

SPECULATION abounds about what Crediton can expect to see in 2018, but one thing that looks like it is on the way is a raft of planning applications for much more housing.

A recent “Whistleblower” correspondent with the “Courier”, who asks not to be named, said: “I have come across plans for Crediton to be nearly doubled in size with houses.

“Housing developers are currently having drainage and geotechnical engineering surveys undertaken.

“The site is going to be from the fields near the Railway Station all the way up around the Lower School and down to behind the Landscore School area.

“I believe consultation has been undertaken with Mid Devon District Council but they are keeping quiet.

“I would like to remain anonymous but I thought the people of Crediton had the right to know what was being considered.”

If the gentleman who writes is correct, there could be many consequences for the town.

STRAIN ON SERVICES

Not only will there obviously be an increase in traffic, and probably congestion, but there could also be a strain on services such as schools, access to medical services at doctor’s surgeries etc.

Poor air quality is another factor from which the town suffers greatly in some areas and this is likely to be another area of concern.

While there has been no major housing development in the town for many years until recently, many planning applications were brought forward in recent years and have been approved or are being considered by Mid Devon District Council, the planning authority.

Work has begun on the building of 185 homes at Wellparks and the development of 49 homes at Fairfax Mews at Cromwell’s Meadow was recently approved by MDDC.

Other notable plans at various stages in the planning process in Crediton town or Sandford or Crediton Hamlets parish council areas include those for 60 homes at Threshers, 120 at Chapel Downs, 75 at Higher Road and 320 at Creedy Bridge (Pedlarspool).

MDDC and the applicant for the Creedy Bridge plan are currently at a sticking point with regard to the density of the proposal, MDDC saying that the applicant has applied for too high a density of housing.

CREDITON RUGBY CLUB

The plan includes 35 per cent of affordable housing, a site for a new home for Crediton Rugby Club, commercial space or elderly accommodation and gypsy/traveller provision.

Other plans for housing are expected to come forward in the future for Crediton Rugby Club and the Forches Cross Playing Field.

The safety of pedestrians is becoming an increasing cause of concern on some roads in the Crediton area, particularly at the bottom of Jockey Hill.

The closure of the Crediton branch of NatWest Bank on June 4, 2018, and doubts about the future of what will be the only existing bank branch, Lloyds, in the town, add pressure to decreasing service provision.

Mid Devon District Council’s plan to sell the Crediton Council Offices, placing the future of a valuable town meeting venue and offices for a range of charities as well as Crediton Town Council, is also seen as a significant cause for concern for the town.

Benefits from housing plans will include significant financial contributions from developers towards play areas, education and public rights of way.

The fact that Mid Devon District Council does not currently have an existing Local Plan in place, largely due to the Junction 27 proposals, which means the Plan has been delayed for up to two years, is believed to have left a door open for planning developers to push planning applications forward for not only Crediton but across Mid Devon.

TO MEET HOUSING NEED

Saying this, MDDC is still behind on its five-year plan for the supply of more homes to meet demand across the district.

• If speculation is correct and Crediton can expect to see more plans for housing development come forward in 2018, do you think this will be a good thing or a bad thing for the town and area?

Why not share your views with fellow “Crediton Courier” readers?

Write a letter, suitable for publication, with your name, address and a daytime telephone number (not necessarily for publication) to: The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF.

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