A DATE has been set for a public inquiry into controversial plans for development at Wolborough in Newton Abbot.

The inquiry into three planning appeals for the area will take place over six days August, Teignbridge Council has announced.

The wider Wolborough development, known as NA3, received outline planning permission in 2020 for about 1,210 homes, a primary school, employment space, community facilities, open space and supporting infrastructure.

The inquiry will consider three appeals relating to detailed proposals within the site which is in fields to the south of the town.

The appeals include: a proposal by Baker Estates for 150 homes (Appeal A), a proposal by Vistry Devon South West for public open space, green infrastructure and drainage works (Appeal B) and a proposal by Vistry Devon South West relating to measures to protect the Wolborough Fen Site of Special Scientific Interest (Appeal C).

Wolborough Fen is one of the longest running and most controversial planning issues in the county, with a dispute over how water finds its way into the fen, which is an official Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to species which are found nowhere else in Devon.

Developers Vistry say the fen is in safe hands, and its work is outside the catchment area for water flowing into the fen.

Campaigners disagree, and fear the fen will be contaminated, meaning a priceless wildlife haven will be lost forever.

Last summer Teignbridge Council stepped in and halted work on the site, saying Vistry had overstepped the mark. Work later re-started.

An appeal hearing in February into Wolborough Fen was cut short after the planning inspector ruled a full-scale inquiry was needed.

The appeal by Vistry relates to its application concerning measures designed to protect the nearby Wolborough Fen Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Because a decision was not made within the statutory timescale, Vistry lodged an appeal against non-determination.

A condition of the previously approved outline consent requires developers to demonstrate that construction and future occupation of the site will not adversely affect the protected wetland through changes to groundwater levels or drainage.

Teignbridge Council said it has been considering technical information submitted by the applicant and has consulted with Natural England and other relevant organisations.

While Natural England has not objected to the proposals, the council has continued to assess whether sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the protected habitat would not be harmed.

However, Devon Wildlife Trust has expressed ‘significant concerns’ about the development.

An in-person inquiry at Teignbridge Council’s headquarters at Forde House in Newton Abbot will be held between August 4 and 7 followed by an online only hearing on August 11 and 12.

Members of the public are welcome to attend in person and all sessions will be live-streamed to watch at https://orlo.uk/P3dKq