NEARLY 100 objections have been received to plans by Persimmon Homes to build 77 houses on the western edge of Ivybridge.

By September 18, which was the deadline for the ­submission of comments to South Hams Council, 89 ­people had written to voice objections.

The council received just one letter of support, which expressed the view that Ivybridge needed more homes ‘to keep the housing market moving’.

As well as the supporter and objectors, three comments were made: one criticised the lack of sustainable infrastructure, particularly cycle routes; one noted that the affordable housing in the plans was ‘segregated’ from the open-market properties; and the third said that more shops were needed at the western end of town before any more houses should be considered.

Last week a boisterous meeting of Ivybridge Town Council’s planning committee was attended by more than 30 members of the public. After hearing residents’ concerns, the committee voted unanimously to object to the proposal.

Speaking afterwards, planning chair Cllr Tom Bowden said: ‘We had quite a lively meeting last week. The opposition to this application is very well organised.

‘We voted unanimously to object for several reasons: the possibility of making the flooding problem worse; the proposed access, which is opposite Holtwood Drive and isn’t safe; increased ­traffic; and the fact that the proposals bring nothing to the community.

‘With the developments to the east of Ivybridge, we well and truly exceed the figure of 375 new homes that we’re told we need.’

Persimmon wants to build the homes on two fields – 2.63 hectares in total – immediately north of Woodland Road, between Cornwood Road and Stibb Lane.

The development would comprise two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses, with approximately 25 per cent of them ‘affordable’.

The application follows a public exhibition in June last year, at which the company displayed plans for 65 ­houses on the site.

Concerned residents quickly banded together, determined to fight the proposals, and a Facebook page – No More Housing to the West of Ivybridge – has remained active since.

MP Gary Streeter also got behind the campaign and recently reiterated his opposition on the grounds that the proposed site is outside the adopted development plan boundary.

Both Devon Highways and an archaeologist employed by the county council have said they would recommend refusal in the absence of further ­information being supplied by the developer.

A decision on a separate, equally controversial proposal for a barn to be made into two homes at Woodland Farm, with access off Kennel Lane, was also taking place on Wednesday.