RESIDENTS have united to fight a bid to build new homes on a controversial site at Highweek.

They claim the proposals for 33 houses at Howton Road are ‘unsafe, unsuitable and unwanted’.

Objectors have launched a campaign which has seen dozens of households coordinating leaflets, petitions, and online objections to Teignbridge District Council, urging others to do the same before the submission deadline tomorrow, October 23.

Their campaign come after Newton Abbot town councillors raised objections to the scheme on the grounds of road safety and crime prevention.

Wyse Homes was denied planning permission by Teignbridge District Council for the scheme in 2018 but then won its case at appeal.

It allowed the permission to lapse but has now resubmitted the application.

Residents in Highweek say the scheme has sparked widespread concern, describing the plans as ‘dangerous and unsustainable’.

One said: ‘Howton Road is a single-track lane with no pavements, blind bends, and nowhere for pedestrians to walk safely.

‘It’s already risky, and adding 60 or more cars, construction traffic, and delivery lorries and vans will make it downright hazardous, not to mention the already heavily congested Highweek village.’

The community is now rallying together, warning that the development would bring serious safety, traffic, and environmental consequences to this quiet, single track rural lane and already congested Highweek village.

Concerns have been raised about safety risks as Howton Road is too narrow for two-way traffic and already struggles with congestion.

The junction with Mile End Road is considered dangerous and unsuitable for large vehicles or emergency access.

Objectors say 33 more homes would lead to ‘traffic overload and that the lane is earmarked in wider plans as a cycle and pedestrian route, which conflicts with increased vehicle use.

There are further concerns over the environmental impact as a pond next to the site may be home to protected species such as the Greater Crested Newt, requiring proper investigation.

Strain on existing infrastructure is another issue with no mains sewerage for the new development, meaning additional large service vehicles will need to access the narrow road.

Residents also fear ‘years of noise, dust, and disturbance during construction, affecting quality of life and safety’.

Cllr Jacqueline Fry, Devon County Council Newton Abbot North member, said: ‘Similar planning had been previously passed on appeal, despite the evidence showing that the road isn’t suitable for two passing vehicles, in 2018.

‘The planning lapsed and now developers are trying again. Since then traffic has only increased.

‘The proposed development of 33 houses on Howton Road is deeply concerning.

‘Highweek is already burdened by traffic congestion and limited infrastructure.

‘Adding further strain to this historic village is not only ill-considered—it poses a serious threat to local biodiversity.

‘The ecological damage and disruption to wildlife habitats would be irreversible. This plan must be re-evaluated with the wellbeing of residents and the environment at its core.’

The plans can be seen at Teignbridge Council’s website, planning reference 25/01451/MAJ