Cllr Ranulf Rayner, chairman of Ashcombe Parish Council, writes:

I totally support Christine Conachie (letters, July 18) who deplores the concept of building so many houses at Coombe Valley leading on to the B3192, which was decreed dangerous several years ago.

Since planning regulations were relaxed, it is apparent that Teignbridge Council are intent on following the government's directive to pour concrete on our precious agricultural land, as they intend to do near Dawlish and now possibly above Teignmouth, irrespective of Teignbridge's responsibility to promote tourism and the effect it will have on our countryside, our fragile road systems and our vital local businesses.

Ashcombe enterprises, leading off the B3192, together now employ some 30 to 40 people to host some 140 well-heeled holiday cottagers, many from overseas, who will not appreciate more commuting traffic on our narrow roads and country lanes. Apart from the Ashcombe Activity Centre other attractions are being planned for the community including hides for birdwatchers, where they can spot the rare cirl bunting, peculiar to south Devon, and a Haldon Observatory. How will visitors, many of whom come from towns and cities, ever see the stars at night if this land, perched so high above the town, becomes another well lit housing estate?

Teignbridge Council should reconsider all planning applications which impact on our notable habitat, tourism and agricultural land and fight our special case with the government.

Developers will always grab the cheaper option, yet there are plenty of less valuable acres available for building all the houses necessary for local needs. South Devon should be treated the same as The Lake District, and must be retained as one of the most attractive regions to visit in the British Isles.

Teignbridge planners should sustain, not destroy, our spectacular environment, our unique natural habitat and our top south Devon industries.

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