FEARS for the future of a ‘magical’ wildlife haven have delayed a project to build 1,200 new homes on the outskirts of Newton Abbot again.

Teignbridge planning committee couldn’t reach a decision on the first phase of the massive Wolborough project, deferring it to a future meeting.

Councillors want more information on parking, access. the road layout and the ecology of Wolborough Fen.

One expert described it as ‘nothing short of miraculous’.

Part of the land earmarked for development at Wolborough Barton. Photo Clifton Emery Design/Teignbridge Council
Part of the land earmarked for development at Wolborough Barton. Photo Clifton Emery Design/Teignbridge Council (MDA )

Natural England says the fen will be safe if the development goes ahead, but councillors want reassurance.

The committee had been due to decide on the plans last month, but put it off after receiving last-minute information from objectors about potential harm to the fen. Now the matter is delayed again.

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

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

The scheme includes a link road connecting the A380 and the A381.

Two applications went before the latest meeting of the planning committee, both were deferred; one for 720 metres of road through the site, the other for the first ‘tranche’ of 94 houses to the west of Decoy park.

Councillors decided they were ‘inter-dependent’ and put off making decisions on both.

Professional ecologist Dr Kenneth Thompson said: ‘

‘Places like this are precious, and deserve the very highest level of protection.

‘We have this magical place on our doorstep. We should do everything we possibly can to avoid the smallest possibility that it suffers any damage.

'These developments will very likely damage the fen and possibly even destroy it.’

He said the council was acting ‘like a bull in a china shop’.

‘A decade, or less, down the line we could be looking at the wreckage of Wolborough Fen,’ he said. ‘And you will be to blame.’

Natural England, however, says developers have taken sufficient steps to make sure the wildlife area is safe. There would also be stringent conditions to any planning permission, meaning developers must make sure it is preserved.