SOME 370 compensation claims have been submitted by residents whose homes have ‘reduced in value’ because of the South Devon Highway being built.

Devon County Council has received 369 claims from residents living near the road who say the increase in noise levels are unbearable and properties have suffered from structural damage.

A council spokesman said: ‘Under the Land Compensation Act 1973, compensation can be claimed for residential property that has reduced in value due to physical factors caused by public works.

‘Claims cannot be made until 12 months from the date of opening.’

County councillor for Newton Abbot South, Gordon Hook, said: ‘There can be no doubt that the highway is a fantastic logistical achievement, which many are using and, considering the expense involved, hopefully benefiting from.

‘My sincere hope is that it does bring economic benefits to Newton Abbot as claimed, but I am not yet seeing them.

‘What it has brought without any doubt whatsoever, is considerable depreciation in the quality of life for many residents I seek to represent.

‘Noise levels have increased to the point where many can no longer use some of the rooms in their homes and structural damage is claimed to have occurred – and I have no reason to doubt those making such claims.

‘People feel ignored, neglected and not listened to and the compensation claims should have been investigated and settled months ago.

‘At the current rate of progress it will be years not months before we see any real progress.

‘Delay, prevarication and procrastination rule, and it is very disappointing.’