RESIDENTS of Drake Avenue had had to play catch-up and the inquiry was the first opportunity for them to make their views known on the proposal since the planning application was considered by Teignbridge Council in May last year, Graham Heath explained to the inspector. Representing the residents, he said they had not been party to any discussions involving the developer and the local planning authority and had found themselves being the sole defenders of the highways and ecological reasons for refusal. 'The residents argue, and are supported by Nick Davies, senior planning officer from the district council, that in visual terms, the appeal site lies beyond the boundary of the built-up area and should be read, in landscape terms, with the open countryside to the west. 'This view was also taken by the inspector who examined this issue when the adopted Local Plan was prepared,' he said. Mr Heath said the emerging Manual for Streets pointed out that creating a good environment and good facilities for walking is fundamental to successful development. 'Simple principles are often overlooked because designers are preoccupied with accommodating vehicles. The residents are of the view that this has, in fact, been the case with regard to the preparation of the highway proposals associated with the appeal site,' he continued. Turning his attention to ecological issues, Mr Heath said birdwatcher Philip Baker had made a highly-competent presentation of his case, based on his extensive knowledge and experience of birds in general and cirl buntings in particular, and his knowledge of the appeal site. 'He indicated that he had seen cirl buntings on the site in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, and he believed that cirl buntings had been present on the site for many years. 'Mr Baker did not believe that there was any guarantee that the compensation package for cirl buntings as provided for in the Section 106 Agreement could ensure adequate compensation or mitigation for these birds. He agreed that the development, if approved, would result in the loss of any cirl buntings which may presently use the site. 'The residents of Drake Avenue believe that Dr Fee's evidence confirms their objection to the proposed development on the grounds that there is no guarantee that effective cirl bunting and dormouse mitigation measures can be achieved. 'They would like to draw attention to what they perceive as the unhelpful role of the RSPB in matters related to the consideration of the planning application and the drawing up of the Section 106 Agreement. 'It appears that the measures included within the Section 106 are based on a new approach to cirl bunting management which has not been made public by the RSPB for fear that the organisation might receive public criticism – this may well explain why the RSPB chose not to appear at this inquiry,' said Mr Heath. In his conclusions, Mr Heath said the development would be prejudicial to the proper consideration of future proposals being considered through the preparation of the Teignbridge Local Development Framework. Residents also strongly objected on highway grounds, and maintained the proposed development could not be regarded as sustainable and would conflict with long-standing policies to protect the Coastal Preservation Area and the Area of Great Landscape Value. The inquiry ended on Thursday last week and inspector Gerry Hollington visited the site on Monday.
