RESIDENTS of a quiet Holcombe road fear that plans for yet another infill development could destroy their privacy, for the second time this year.

The owners of three properties in Rosyl Avenue say that the scheme for an eight-metre-high, two-storey five-bedroom house in a garden to their rear, one metre from the boundary fence, would dwarf their gardens, destroy trees and reduce natural light.

Joe and Margaret Adams, of Channel View, behind Rosyl Avenue, are seeking planning permission for the house, along with another elsewhere in their garden.

But neighbours also worry at the precedent set earlier this year when Teignbridge Council planners allowed a similar house to be built only yards away, behind the property of 98-year-old Lawrence Morgan, at No 4 Rosyl Avenue.

That case caused a huge row in the village.

'From a planning point of view, this new proposal is ridiculous, since it overshadows its neighbours so much,' said Terry Tyler, of No 7.

'It's right outside our back garden and would overwhelm us. We would be living in its shadow. It's disgusting what they allowed behind Lawrence's garden. We can't allow it to happen again.'

He said he wanted the planners to visit the site before making a decision.

Mr Tyler's wife, Jacqui, said a tree expert told her that the development would inevitably destroy the roots of trees along the boundary.

Barbara McCarthy, of No 8, said that she and her husband would lose their privacy, view and light.

'I don't want the scheme at all,' she said. 'There's enough building already in the village causing problems, and Fordens Lane is not wide enough to take extra traffic.'

Christine Campbell, of No 16, said that although she would not be immediately affected by the development, she still objected to it.

'I've lived here since the Rosyl Avenue houses were built 50 years ago, and they're now spoiling the village,' she said. 'The traffic is appalling, and there are not enough pavements for pedestrians.'

Mr and Mrs Adams are believed to be away from Holcombe until after their planning application is heard on November 28.

But in a statement with the application, they said: 'Careful consideration has been given to the planning, design and placing of our proposed new homes, and we have spent many months arriving at our designs and proposals.

'We feel that the new family homes will sit comfortably within our land. Because we are able to utilise the natural fall of our land, the buildings will have a minimal impact on the surroundings.

'We do not want anything placed here which will detract from our own home. The scheme will afford the new families a comfortable and spacious home, together with large gardens.'

The scheme is due to be discussed tonight at a meeting of Dawlish Town Council's Planning Committee.