‘THE proposed development of 33 houses at Howton Road is deeply concerning’, says a Newton Abbot county councillor as residents living nearby object in droves to the planning application.

More than 70 objections have been lodged against the application - reference 25/01451/MAJ - for the homes at land to the north of Howton Road.

County councillor Jacqueline Fry’s (Reform UK, Newton Abbot North) has described the application as ‘deeply concerning’, echoing residents’ views, many of whom described Howton Road as ‘totally inappropriate’ an area for such a development.

‘Highweek is already burdened by traffic congestion and limited infrastructure’, Cllr Fry said.

‘Adding further strain to this historic village is not only ill-considered—it poses a serious threat to local biodiversity.

‘The ecological damage and disruption to wildlife habitats would be irreversible.

‘This plan must be re-evaluated with the wellbeing of residents and the environment at its core’, Cllr Fry added.

Newton Abbot Town Council objected to the application, as did Newton Abbot & District Civic Society.

And those living in Highweek have made their feelings known.

‘Traffic considerations make this proposal unsafe’, said one objector.

‘Howton Road is a single track lane with zero footpaths - a development of any size on this road would be unsafe due to increased traffic and no access for pedestrians to safely walk’, said another.

‘Mile End Road and Howton Road are unsuitable for HGVs, Howton Road is single track, walls one side and bushes the other’, another objector said.

Wyse Homes was denied planning permission by Teignbridge District Council (TDC) for the scheme in 2018, but then won its case at appeal.

It allowed the permission to lapse, but has now resubmitted the application.

The proposed development will make a ‘positive contribution to the local housing stock’ and ‘raises the bar in terms of design and sets a benchmark for future development in the area’, the design and access statement reads.

The deadline for comments October 23 - visit TDC’s planning portal and enter ‘25/01451/MAJ’ into the search-box.