THE partnership behind the vast new town of Sherford says it has spent more than one million pounds on environmental improvements already – before a brick has been laid.

The Sherford Consortium of Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Taylor Wimpey has announced the investment so far in what it is hailing as ‘the largest habitat creation scheme in the South West’.

Work already completed or underway includes a network of interconnected, 40-metre wide ‘wildlife corridors’, allowing animals to move around the site; a ‘bat bridge’; and the planting of 220,000 trees. Dr James Riley, associate director of ecology at AECOM, which is working with the consortium, said: ‘Sherford is rich with local wildlife, including bats, badgers, breeding birds, small reptiles and other creatures.

‘Our ethos is not only to protect but to enhance.

‘By attracting and accommodating wildlife, we expect to see a net increase over time.’

The final stage in the planning process for the first nearly 600 homes, reserved matters permission, was granted in July by South Hams and Plymouth councils, and building work is expected to begin imminently. The huge development will cover more than 1,200 acres in total, between the A38 and A379 south west of Deep Lane junction.

Around 5,500 homes are planned for 12,000 residents, along with 83,000 square metres of schools, shops, community spaces, leisure facilities and places of worship.

Some residents of surrounding areas however remain concerned about the effects of the proposed new town on local infrastructure.

Much of the work completed so far is the initial stages of the creation of 500 acres of community parkland.

Other outside space will include allotments, urban parks and communal gardens, and an extensive network of cycle and footpaths.

Sales and marketing director for the Sherford Consortium Brian Deacon said: ‘In many developments the houses comes first and the green space comes later, but not at Sherford.

‘From the outset, the vision for Sherford has been a community integrated into the picturesque Devon countryside.

‘We are committed to honouring this and the woodland and parkland is our foundation, taking shape well ahead of building work.

‘Sherford not only needs to accommodate residents but the local wildlife too.

We will continue to invest in ecology initiatives, with a view to Sherford becoming one of the most ‘green’ and sustainable towns in the country.’

Sherford’s website is now up and running at www.sherford. org.