Concerns mount over proposed commercial units in village

THE Devon Wildlife Trust has recommended that a planning application for nine commercial units at Starcross is refused, raising concerns over the scheme’s potential impact on wildlife.

The trust has objected to the application, submitted by River Exe Group Limited, saying it does not provide sufficient evidence to meet biodiversity requirements.

Planning application 26/00958/MAJ is seeking permission for nine B2/B8 commercial units on land off Generals Lane, along with landscaping, parking and a storage area for boats.

In its response to the application, the Devon Wildlife Trust said mitigation proposed for commuting and foraging bats was ‘not considered sufficient’.

It also raised concerns about the potential effects of noise, light and air pollutants on wintering birds associated with the Exe Estuary Special Protection Area.

The trust concluded: ‘We recommend that the application is refused’.

The application has also faced opposition locally, with Starcross Parish Council objecting to the proposals on the grounds that the development would be out of keeping with the character of the village.

However, the parish council did not oppose development on the site in principle, saying it could support a reduced scheme which provided good local employment opportunities in a less industrialised setting.

Several other objections have been submitted through Teignbridge Council’s planning portal.

A key concern among residents is the potential impact of increased traffic on Generals Lane. Objectors have described the road as narrow and, in places, single-track, with poor visibility and no pavements.

The applicants say the proposals would bring the currently vacant and overgrown site into use and provide “valuable employment opportunities in a sustainable location”, according to the application’s design and access statement.

Teignbridge Council is expected to make a decision by September 21.

To view the associated planning documents, including the Devon Wildlife Trust’s representation, in full, and to comment on the application, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/00958/MAJ’ into the search-box.