TEIGNMOUTH'S population could swell by a quarter if a controversial new council plan is implemented.

It suggests that more than 1,000 new homes could be built on the west side of the town, which would mean about 4,000 more people.

The document lays out how the resort could expand and improve across a 20-year period by constructing houses between Broadmeadow and Headway Cross, a big extension to the west of the Lovell estate on either side of the narrow Shepherds Lane, and to the west of Higher Exeter Road.

A new road would be carved out between Broadmeadow and Higher Exeter Road, via Headway Cross and a widened Shepherds Lane, which runs up to the slopes of Little Haldon.

The wish list also includes a marina at Polly Steps; the regeneration of Brunswick Street – Northumberland Place area, currently blighted by a flood threat, and the fish quay - back beach area; more employment land, and the long awaited cycle-pedestrian route along the estuary to Newton Abbot.

The draft 'core strategy development plan' for the years 2013 to 2033 just published by Teignbridge Council, also envisages protecting and enhancing public open spaces, including the Den, the Coombe Valley nature reserve, the Eastcliff-Rowdens area, and retaining green fields between Teignmouth, Holcombe and Dawlish.

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