Homes, doctors surgery and a gastro pub could feauture in possible plans

A PIECE of land in the centre of West Hill could be transformed into more than 30 homes, a satellite doctors surgery and a gastro pub.

A coffee shop, pharmacy, bowling club, land for the village’s pre-school, and underground parking may also feature in pending proposals for a two and a half acre site opposite McColls in West Hill Road.

That is what scores of residents have been told by Councillors Claire Wright and Jo Talbot, who fear development of what is known as Copper Trust land could see more than 200 extra vehicle movements in the area a day.

Any such move would come hot on the heels of widely derided Blue Cedar Homes plans to build 50 dwellings on land near Eastfield that have garnered controversy and hundreds of objections.

“Either scheme, if approved, is likely to prompt other developers to submit their own applications, citing these examples as a precedent for their proposals to be accepted,” warned the Ottery town councillors in a letter to Ashley Brake, Elsdon Lane, Ford Lane, Beech Park and West Hill Road householders.

“We understand the (Cooper Trust) developer proposed to build around 34 units of accommodation, including apartments.

“The Highways Department rule of thumb is that a dwelling in such a location would generate seven vehicle movements each day, so an additional 238 could be expected.

Councillor Wright requested any town council talks over the pending application take place in the village. Her town council colleagues agreed to the move should a planning application be submitted.

“Any Cooper Trust land planning application will be considered by Ottery town council before East Devon District Council makes its decision. There will be opportunities for local people to give their views at both these meetings,” said Cllrs Wright and Talbot.