A major housing development has come under scrutiny amid warnings that key details around access, transport and green space planning remain unclear.
Concerns have been raised over proposals for the Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (Area B), with advisers warning that gaps in planning could affect how residents travel, access green space and use local facilities.
The Devon Countryside Access Forum, a statutory advisory body, said more detailed information is needed before an informed decision can be made on the application.
The forum, which provides independent advice on improving public access to land for recreation, discussed the plans at a meeting on Monday, January 19.
In a letter dated Thursday, January 22, to Mid Devon District Council, forum officer Hilary Winter outlined several areas of concern.
The forum said existing maps lack clarity and do not adequately show how walking, cycling and other active travel routes would connect across the site and into the wider area.
It warned that infrastructure had not been designed in a way that properly supports walking and cycling, adding that clearer planning is needed to encourage sustainable travel and access to nearby destinations, including the proposed country park and the Grand Western Canal.
Members also raised concerns about how a proposed shared-use route linking Manley Lane to the National Cycle Network would connect to the housing development, suggesting a more direct route may be preferable.
Details about the surfaces of footpaths and cycle routes were described as insufficient, while the forum said low-level lighting may be needed to ensure safe use, particularly for children and young people.
The forum questioned assumptions in the transport assessment that the proposed country park would generate little additional traffic.
It said such estimates “make no sense”, warning that the popularity of green spaces, especially for dog walking, could lead to higher-than-expected vehicle use.
Concerns were also raised that limited parking on Manley Lane may not be enough to meet demand.
The proposed countryside park was highlighted as a key feature of the development, but the forum noted it spans multiple landowners and is not fully included in the current application.
It called for a “holistic design” approach involving all stakeholders to ensure the park is properly planned, managed and maintained.
The forum also challenged the suggestion that the development would have negligible impact on the nearby Grand Western Canal Country Park.
It added that strong walking, wheeling and cycling links would be vital, particularly as some parts of Tiverton have high levels of households without access to a car.
Further concerns included a lack of clarity over section 106 contributions across multiple developers, and the need for a coordinated approach.
The forum also suggested appointing a team, including a ranger, to promote active travel and use of the countryside park, citing successful examples elsewhere.
In addition, it said the application does not fully explore potential travel links to the east, including connections towards Halberton and Tiverton Parkway.
The Devon Countryside Access Forum said it hopes its comments will be taken into account as part of the decision-making process and has requested feedback from the council.
