PLANNING officers have shot down plans for Ivybridge's longed-awaited new health centre.

The first plans for Ivybridge's 'urban extension' will be decided by South Hams Council next week.

The district council's development management committee will discuss the proposal to build 198 homes, plus a health centre, on the land adjoining Rutt Lane on Wednesday, July 29.

However, case officer Tom Sylger-Jones has recommended refusal of the application.

Mr Sylger-Jones said: 'Adequate information has not been submitted to satisfy the local planning authority that the proposal is acceptable in terms of the safe design of roundabout access.

'The information submitted does not adequately justify the current proposed levels and combination of affordable housing and section 106 contributions, in particular the quantity of or contribution to employment provision.'

The development management committee members, planning officers and district and parish councillors attended a site visit on Monday before next week's meeting at Follaton House in Totnes.

But Ivybridge Town Council planning chairman Tom Bowden said he believes the development provides what is needed for the town.

Speaking before the case officer published his report, Cllr Bowden said: 'The town council is minded to support the application with a cap of 200 units – the proposal is for 198 homes.

'We also wanted provision of an eastern access to the A38, but Highways has quashed that.

'The proposal inclu-des a neighbourhood centre, hopefully a pharmacy and shops which suit the demographic and the change of needs for the town.

'It also includes a health centre, which I am fully in favour of, especially with its planned substantial car park which will alleviate the problems the existing one faces.

'I believe it is a good development, it looks good and provides what is needed.

'Plymouth Citybus withdrew a service away from the eastern development and rerouted services to make it more efficient.

'However I have been informed that if the development goes ahead there will be work to provide a bus service to the homes, which will have the added bonus of a service to the health centre.

The application was put before the committee given the number of objections received.

The council's planning website had over 20 letters of objection with residents concerned over lack of affordable homes, traffic congestion and high density of housing.

The outline planning application, by Hannick Homes, consists of 198 homes, open space, employment land including a health centre, a neighbourhood centre and a new roundabout in Exeter Road.

Planning agent Trewin Design Architects, on behalf of the developer, said: 'The proposed development will be a sustainable community, including a range of housing types in close proximity to highly accessible recreation opportunities, walking and cycling routes.'