SOUTH Hams Council has issued a robust response to the points put forward by Martin Ranwell and Modbury First over the proposed housing development in the town.

When asked why the public consultation about a development in Modbury was for around 50 homes, and now the developers are talking about 93, a spokesman for South Hams Council said: 'The site was allocated with a mix of uses in mind, and with an indicative quantity of residential dwellings, not an absolute figure.

'The developer feels the site could be suitably designed to accommodate more dwellings, and this will be one of the key issues that will be considered when determining the planning application.'

In the Gazette's article last week, Martin Ranwell said the proposal would exacerbate ­'traffic and parking issues'.

The spokesman responded: 'As always, South Hams Council takes advice and guidance on these issues from Devon County Council as the accountable highways authority.

'The county council will respond to the planning application and that will inform the development management committee when making a decision.'

Another point Mr Ranwell made was: 'We don't need huge four- and five-bedroom houses, we need small starter homes for less than £100,000.'

The spokesman replied: 'Part of the requirement for new ­housing developments is to ­contribute to an appropriate mix of new housing that can meet the needs of a range of people.

'The development at RA1 will need to demonstrate that the mix is well-suited to Modbury and will need to include a proportion of affordable homes for rent and to buy.

'Local planning authorities have relatively little influence over the housing market, but we can enable a consistent supply of housing that meets a range of needs to help manage the escalating cost of homes within the ­district. If the new development places additional demands on existing services, the developer will need to make a financial contribution to ensure the services can be expanded appropriately.'

Talking about the site entrances' proximity to the blind corner of Palm Cross and the ­primary school, the spokesman continued: 'A considerable amount of feasibility work has gone into assessing the possible access. Details of how the applicant is proposing to secure access will be scrutinised by the highways authority and planning officers and elected members will be guided by their findings.'

Answering the suggestion made by Mr Ranwell that the council was more concerned with the extra council tax and New Homes Bonus than the needs of the town, the spokesman replied: 'South Hams Council is committed to the long-term sustainability of our communities over all else, and the sound principle of development in this location has been the subject of independent examination through the allocations stage in 2010.

'If we fail to plan for the ­incremental growth of our main ­settlements we'll be doing a ­disservice to our residents, and we'll ultimately be planning for decline. Our population continues to grow across the district, and the needs of our communities have changed over time.

'The residents of Modbury have the opportunity to have a greater degree of involvement over future development of the Modbury area by becoming part of the Neighbourhood Plan.

'The request for the Modbury Neighbourhood Plan to be ­designated will be subject to ­consultation until February 2. If approved, the community will be responsible for developing a plan for the future of the Modbury area in conjunction with the local planning authority in its development of the new local plan, which will look to the future until 2031.

'Details of how to get involved can be obtained from Modbury Parish Council.'