HOUSEBUILDERS developing new homes in Bovey Tracey have responded to criticism from town councillors.

Devonshire Homes, which is building properties at Longston Cross, says it recognises there have been delays and apologise for the inconvenience.

Town councillors have called on the developers to complete the Longston Cross site before starting work on 100 more homes.

Specifically they want a delayed pedestrian and cycle link to Brimley Vale to be opened and for Devonshire Homes to deliver on its commitment to provide 10 allotments.

However, Devonshire Homes has the planning requirements for delivery of the 10 allotments are associated to phase 2 of the development.

 The plan for allotments must be submitted and approved by the occupation of the 50th open market property on this phase, which means delivery of the plan is ‘unlikely for at least another year at the earliest’.

A spokesman for Devonshire Homes said: ‘Longston Cross is already established as a vibrant community and we are in the final stages of completing works on the first phase.

‘We recognise there have been delays in getting the road surface completed and we apologise for the inconvenience this caused.

‘Drainage works were required ahead of this taking place, and we can confirm these have been completed. It is expected final road finishings should be carried out in July.

‘The link to Brimley Vale is not due to be delivered until the final self-build plots adjacent have been completed.

‘The current market conditions have meant these plots have not yet found self-build purchasers.

‘However, we are exploring the possibility of carrying out some work in this area that can facilitate pedestrian access, only on an informal basis, ahead of the two plots being sold and built.

Members of Bovey Tracey Town Council’s planning and environment committee also heard from a resident who has been living on the estate for four years who complained about the ‘slow adoption’ of new roads and lack of promised traffic-free shortcut to Brimley Vale.

He described the lack of allotments as ‘far too little far too late’ and said of his attempts to strike up a dialogue with Devonshire Homes: ‘They just don’t respond.’

Members agreed not to offer any objection to Phase Two but to resubmit previous observations about delivery of infrastructure and to request completion of Phase One before further construction is commenced.