Plans that could see the population of a small Mid Devon village nearly double have angered locals.

The scheme for Culmstock has been described as ‘hare brained’, ‘a disaster’ and ‘grossly disproportionate’ by residents who have been submitting objections in their droves.

A planning application submitted this week outlines a bid for between 120 and 140 new homes to be built on a site called ‘The Paddocks’, off Blackwater Road, in Culmstock. The population of the parish as of the 2011 census is just 554.

A statement with the application explains how they aim to develop residential accommodation providing 120-140 homes in total, either as a whole or part in stages.

They would be built on the site known as ‘The Paddocks’ which extends to approximately ten acres and is 120 metres from the village centre, and has hedges within the site dividing it into four, almost equal in size, paddocks.

Housing mixes could range from two bedroom semi-detached properties to five bedroom detached housing, with 35 per cent of the homes being affordable, and up to 49 could be sheltered accommodation.

Two landscaped areas would be provided, the application says, adding: “Culmstock is a desirable village as it has easy access to Exeter, Tiverton and Taunton, and there is an array of facilities within the village itself.

“The village has a good range of facilities providing a convenience store, a primary school, a pub, churches, village hall and petrol station.”

But the scheme has seen objections from residents pour in, with all 36 comments on the application so far being opposed to the plans.

Martin Kennard said: “There are several reasons why this plan should not go ahead. The village does not have the existing infrastructure to cope with such a proposal and any development at the application address would place members of the public at risk from an increase in traffic along country roads. Were someone to approve the proposal, or even a scaled down version of it, they would likely be left with ‘blood on their hands’.

“The development would ruin the character of the village for current residents and I have already spoken to one elderly resident who was in tears when she heard of the planning application. MDDC needs to be aware of the mental health cost involved. These are just a few reasons why this hare brained scheme cannot be allowed to go ahead.

“I do hope that MDDC listens to the views of residents and concerned members of the public before making a ruling. The plan would be a disaster for the village.”

Thomas Curtis added: “The size of the proposed development can in no way be supported by village amenities. The school is already over-subscribed, especially with the recent move of the pre-school to the school site. Introducing a further possible 140 families is unthinkable at this stage.

“Culmstock experiences a high volume of traffic for the size of its carriageways- especially during rush hour and the school run. The development will vastly increase commuter traffic, which will be a danger to residents and a logistical nightmare on single track lanes around the proposed site entrance.

“To grant permission for a large scale development without observing the effects of current plans to me seems completely illogical.”

Amy Willis said: “This application is completely unsustainable for a village this size. I’m sure the applicant has put this ridiculous application in hoping that a reduction in numbers will eventually be passed, but the village school/nursery/shop/roads/sewage system cannot support a development of even half this size.

“We are not fortunate enough to have pavements throughout our village, therefore parents must make at least part of their journey walking on a main road, increased traffic through the village will make that more dangerous than it already is: one resident had her pushchair dragged by a school bus whilst crossing the bridge last year and had a very lucky escape.”

Judi Zebedee said: “The submitted proposal is grossly disproportionate to the existing size of the village,” while Chris Morter added: “A proposal of this magnitude, which would seem to be on Green Belt land, should appear on a future village plan be rejected at source as being a non-starter.”

Culmstock dates back to at least the 1100s and the present church dates in part from the 1200. The village was at one time prosperous as a centre of weaving and the wool trade, but the prosperity, and the population of the village, declined considerably with the onset of the Industrial Revolution.

Mid Devon District Council planners will determine the fate of the application at a later date.

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