PLANS to redevelop a brownfield site in Newton Abbot have moved a step closer, writes Ollie Heptinstall.

The land at Bradley Lane, in the centre of the town, was identified and bought up by Teignbridge District Council in 2010 as a site where regeneration could take place, reportedly including up to 170 homes.

A proposal was backed by its executive and will now be put to the full council on Monday for final approval. If granted, the land will then be sold to a developer subject to them gaining planning consent.

According to the council, the scheme will include more than the required 20 per cent affordable housing and provide greater employment opportunities, along with improved pedestrian and cycle routes and a potential bus link into the town centre.

The council added: ‘As part of this process, the development partner will be responsible for engaging with local people over the detailed proposals, and implementing and marketing the development.’

Councillor Richard Keeling (Lib Dem, Chudleigh), executive member for corporate resources, told the executive: ‘This proposed offer delivers on all of the council’s priorities for homes, jobs and tackling climate change. The offer also proposes a mix of property sizes to meet local needs, with smaller properties for first-time buyers and down-sizers alike.

‘The affordable housing offer is more than the policy requirement in Newton Abbot. As a landowner, we have a proposal that will secure the best financial value for the taxpayer and give us a capital receipt that could be reinvested in future projects.

‘This is a sustainable location in many ways, with easy access to the town centre, excellent walking and cycling routes. It will comply with carbon reduction targets as a minimum and will increase flood capacity with improvements to the River Lemon corridor.’

Cllr Keeling assured councillors that subject to final approval at Monday’s full council meeting, there will be a full question and answer session giving full details in October/November to district and town councillors and other partners.

A statement was also read out on behalf of the absent member for climate change, Councillor Jackie Hook (Lib Dem, Bushell), which said: ‘In terms of the general direction proposed in the executive report, I am in agreement with what is proposed.

‘The site has been awaiting regeneration for several years and the draft proposals look to be addressing some of the long-term community desires for the area, particularly in terms of the provision of social rented housing...’

Unanimous approval was given at Monday’s Full Council meeting to push on with the plans.

The aim is to have submitted detailed plans by the end of the year for consideration.