MP Martin Wrigley has revealed a major setback in plans for a controversial ‘new town’ on the outskirts of Newton Abbot.

He says South West Water has confirmed it could be 2032 before the sewerage infrastructure might be ready to cope with any future housing development at Wolborough.

The controversial development has attracted widespread criticism already but supporters argue it will bring much-needed new homes.

Now the bombshell from SWW could potentially delay the scheme or derail it entirely.

Mr Wrigley says SWW has confirmed that the foul sewerage system in the Wolborough area of the town is inadequate to support the new homes planned for the NA3 development.

According to SWW, it would take until 2030 to upgrade the system, with an additional 18 months required for completion.

This delay could halt housing approvals in the area for the next five years.

Mr Wrigley said: ‘We are seeing more of this lack of communication between developers and utility companies on new housing estates.

‘I have had to directly intervene in the Hele Park development to ensure the pumping station was working effectively.

‘With the Labour Government proposing 1.5 million new homes, this target seems unrealistic if developers and South West Water can’t align their efforts better.

‘We believe that local authorities should have greater powers to build their own homes and hold developers to account.

‘This situation underscores what many see as a failure on the part of developers to prioritise essential infrastructure, raising questions about their commitment to community welfare versus profit motives.

‘As applications for new developments continue to flood in, the spotlight remains firmly on the developers to address these critical issues.’

The overall Wolborough Barton scheme, approved by a planning inspector in 2021, will see 1,210 new homes being built on rolling hills between Decoy and Ogwell.

Developers say it will bring badly-needed new homes, but objectors say it is over-development and will destroy open countryside.

For Teignbridge Council, the scheme forms part of its new housing allocation.

In addition to houses, the scheme promises a new primary school, employment land and community facilities including a day nursery and health centre. There will be a shopping centre, play area, allotments and multi-use games area, as well as a link road connecting the A380 and the A381.

Full planning permission has already been given to convert Wolborough Barton farmhouse into a boutique hotel, restaurant and bar.

Environmental campaigners are also concerned over the impact of the scheme on the ‘priceless’ Wolborough Fen wildlife haven nearby although experts are split over what if any harm would be done.

Wolborough Residents Association describe the fen as ‘absolutely unique’ and a ‘botanical treasure’.

Last year, plans for the vital link road to the site were only narrowly approved by members of Teignbridge Council’s planning committee.

Concerns over the potential impact on the wetland were raised and councillors spent several hours debating the issue.

One of the site’s developers Vistry say the development would meet almost 90 per cent of Teignbridge’s housing requirements for one year.