The man behind the internationally-acclaimed Cardew Teapottery has pleaded for his business to be allowed to survive at its current Bovey Tracey location. Designer Paul Cardew has created such iconic designs as the highly-collectable NatWest piggy banks and models for blue chip clients, including Disney and Ardman Animations. He is currently working on designs for his friend, chef Rick Stein, and highly-confidential projects involving famous BBC characters. He said plans by his landlord, Strategic Land Partnerships, to develop 153 homes on the site had led people to think he had 'sold his birthright' and that since the first planning application was submitted in May a distinct 'anti' feeling had developed towards the pottery company, even though it had nothing to do with the bid. After putting his 'heart and soul' into the business and developing successful links with the local community and a 'loyal family' of workers, he said the current situation was distressing. 'It is hard to cope with people thinking that it is Paul Cardew who is applying for this planning permission,' he said. 'Nothing could be further from the truth.' Mr Cardew, 59, described his relationship with SLP as a marriage in which the honeymoon was over. He acknowledged that the firm had 'saved his bacon' by buying the land when Cardew Design went into receivership three years ago and that he was happy to go along with early ideas to redevelop the site as it included plans for a revamped pottery. But SLP's first application, which included 127 homes, was rejected by Teignbridge Council and will be the subject of a three day public inquiry beginning on January 9. The firm has submitted a second application but the number of homes has increased to 153 and involves relocating the Cardew business to Heathfield. Mr Cardew said that would kill its unique blend of commercial pottery, craft workshop, visitor centre and design house. 'We're still busy as bees here and on the verge of announcing yet another very exciting and prestigious deal, but in reality I've been given the yellow card,' said Mr Cardew. 'I'm afraid that in 18 months' time there will be a note on the gate telling us to quit. I find it very hard to doff my my cap to a landlord and this is very emotional for me.' Tim Baker, of SLP, said his firm was not looking to 'pull the plug' on Cardew but to relocate it and that one third of the 153 houses planned would be affordable.