December 12, 2011
A decision by South Hams District Council to approve the building of a new town with 5,500 homes has come under threat after legal action was threatened by people opposed to the project as a result of the decision to reduce the number of affordable homes in the development. The new town which is to be called Sherford would be located between Plymouth and Brixham and it was hoped by many that this would provide some much needed affordable housing in an area where it is in short supply. The developers, Red Tree, initially proposed to make 45% of the homes affordable but this has since dropped to 20%. Robin Hogg, a member of the Campaign to Protect Rural England and a South Hams resident said: “Sherford as an idea was good initially…but we need more affordable homes.” Barrister John Lloyd who is representing campaigners in Brixham said: “There’s been a drop in the provision of affordable housing, there’s been a reduction of proper transport facilities and because of that it would create a chance of a judicial review and in my view they would succeed.” The first plans for Sherford were launched over 15 years ago and in 2008 outline planning permission was granted but the development did not go ahead due to the economic downturn. The current plans for the town, includes the building of three primary schools, a secondary school and a health centre. There will also be land for retail and business as well as a community park and two wind turbines. The plans are due to be put before Plymouth City Council for approval in the New Year.