A THREE-DAY hearing to decide the fate of Newton Abbot’s substantial Whitehill development got under way this morning.

Both Teignbridge Council and developers Linden Homes Ltd gave their opening statements before members of the public expressed their views.

Anthony Crean QC, representing Linden Homes Ltd, who are appealing against Teignbridge planners’ refusal of its application, said the land was the best possible site.

He was aware of concerns about the development and its effect on the heritage site - and conceded that some harm could be inevitable in meeting housing needs.

Objectors reckoned the 203 proposed homes would ‘destroy’ the image of All Saints Church and the listed Whitehill House.

Mr Crean argued that any harm was massively outweighed by the benefits of meeting the need for housing and affordable housing.

Martin Edwards QC, on behalf of the council, claimed the developers’ case was ‘unarguable’ and urged them to look before jumping.

Richard Jenks, chairman of Highweek Residents’ Association and a town councillor, said the scheme would have an adverse impact All Saints Church, a ‘prominent landmark.’

‘It is a poor quality of design and Linden have failed to act on previous comments.

‘They need to go back to first base and start again,’ he insisted.

Mr Jenks stressed that not only should the application be refused but no one should be allowed to build on the site.

Former churchwarden Richard Smith warned: ‘The development will destroy the image of the church for future generations.’

He admitted there was a need for housing in the area but didn’t think the land at Whitehill was the best place for it.

The hearing is expected to last until Thursday.