A FORMER leader of Devon County Council has criticised plans for Ivybridge to expand into previously undeveloped land south of the A38.

Sir Simon Day, who lives near the town told the Gazette he was ’horrified’ by the idea that further development in Ivybridge should take place south of the dual carriageway.

Up to now, housebuilding has only occurred north of the A38, leading to the town becoming increasingly linear in form as it is squeezed between it and Dartmoor National Park.

But in the face of the likely continuing expansion of Ivybridge, which planning authorities see as ’sustainably’ located, with good links to Plymouth, the town council and neighbourhood planning group feel the linear growth has gone far enough. Responding to a consultation on the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan earlier this year, the two groups put forward the idea of looking to the south for any future development.

The area is already home to Westover Industrial Estate, along with the current recycling centre and its under-construction replacement, and South Devon Tennis Centre and other sport facilities. Development of the area could also include a new link to take pressure off the town centre and Western Road.

However, Sir Simon, who is president of the Devon Campaign to Protect Rural England, has spoken out against the idea and raised concerns over the impact on water levels and pollution in the river Erme.

He said: ’I’m horrified by the proposal to come south of the A38. The Erme valley has always been thought to be sacrosanct, situated as it is between Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

’I think it’s most unfortunate that the town council has been pressured by greedy developers. Also, I’m most concerned that the river can’t take this added development.

’The South Hams is one of the most beautiful areas of the country - let’s not preside over its destruction.’