A decision on whether to allow the construction of 650 homes on a Newton Abbot golf course has been delayed after 'the most unusual planning committee' at Teignbridge Council.

One member said a report by officers should win the Booker Prize for fiction – others claimed documents were missing.

An impromptu chat during a break, taken on legal advice to allow paperwork to be found, resulted in a surprise deal to potentially increase the number of affordable homes.

Cllr Alan Connett said the way the matter had been handled did not do justice to the people of Newton Abbot or the authority's reputation.

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