Cllr Ken Tuckett, of KREAG, of Woodlands, Kingsteignton, writes:
The Secretary of State's decision not to 'call in' Sibelco's Kingsteignton development plans was not unexpected as he was advised by the Government Office of the South West, which, with the county and district councils, have publicly promoted the plans for the past seven years. I suggested (MDA 18/06/10) the councils would not want to risk another public Inquiry.
The decision does however demonstrate how futile and disingenuous the planning process and public consultation is. At Kingsteignton it has been an absolute disgrace. Without any public consultation a 2000 housing development along the western side of Kingsteignton was adopted in January 2001 by the county, district and eight town and parish councils, including Kingsteignton, in an agreement with then WBB, Clifford Estates and others.
The council demonstrated its determination to push the development through by retaining it in 2007 as approved policy although allegedly withdrawn following rejection at public examination.
Residents will recall how a senior county officer threatened to close the town's library if the local community did not accept the development. Last year a senior district officer told the town council there would be development where 'residents' would not want it if the community continued to oppose the development.
The district council's refusal in 2008 of the 'key part' housing development at Newcross, to the surprise and dismay of the district council, was upheld by the then Secretary of State following an appeal public inquiry. What the district council and the present Secretary of State has now approved less meets local needs for affordable housing and education and provides less road infrastructure and flood alleviation.
Those Kingsteignton councillors who for so long publicly denied but were party to the proposals adopted in 2001 should hang their heads in shame.