There has been a large outcry of opposition from local residents to this latest planning application for new houses in Tavistock, with many people fearing that the roads and services in and around the town just can’t cope with any more. We have submitted a comprehensive objection to the application (ref 3771/25/OPA). Approximately 91% of the site is classified as Grade 3a agricultural land, which constitutes Best & Most Verstatile (BMV). This land is a finite and valuable resource.
The current NPPF(December 2024) is clear that significant weight should be given to the protection of BMV land, and that where development of such land is proposed, lower quality land should be used in preference. The loss of BMV land should only be justified where there is a clear and overriding need and where no reasonable alternatives exist. The proposed development would result in the permanent loss of BMV land, with no scope for reinstatement.