FRESH plans have been submitted for a disabled woodland retreat at Slapton - the first of its kind in the country.

Paddy Costeloe, a lower back paraplegic, wants to set up six two-bedroom custom-designed cottages for people with physical disabilities and a central building to include owners accommodation and guest common areas at Lower Coltscombe.

But his proposal has brought almost 100 letters of objection from nearby residents.

Slapton Parish Coun-cil is also recommending refusal of the application before South Hams Council.

Mr Costeloe, who lives at Loddiswell, says he has done much to address the issues and come up with alternatives to solve the problems.

The plan would create a retreat for holiday and respite care for people with varying degrees of physical disabilities.

But one of the objectors, Michael Mann, believes having motor-ised wheelchairs using the roads was tantamount to playing Russian roulette.

‘The plans to put a new access road . . . along this busy piece of narrow single-track country lane is poorly thought through.

‘I dread to think what it would be like if wheelchairs were encountered unexpectedly in the middle of the road. ‘The suggestion that motorised wheelchairs could drive from the development down to Slapton. is tantamount to playing Russian roulette.

Devon county highways says it is likely to recommend refusal of the application.

But around 40 letters of support have also been received by the district council.

Philippa Stainton, of Aveton Gifford, desc-ribed the proposal as ‘a delight and breath of fresh air’.

Claire Wotton, of Modbury, said: ‘This unique project opens the door to the beautiful South Hams and allows these families a break away from the norm.’

Paul Brizio, of Kingsbridge, said: ‘As an ex service man, I believe this is a fantastic idea, a place to heal, relax, and what a better place to do this?’