Work on a substantial housing project on the outskirts of Newton Abbot in Devon has been halted following major public protest and an urgent intervention from Teignbridge Council.
Vistry Homes, the developer, has stopped work on the 'NA3' site at Wolborough, where permission for 1,200 new homes has been granted.
In late April, officers from Teignbridge Council intervened to stop the work amid allegations that Vistry had exceeded the boundaries of the granted permission.
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Work had begun on a large drainage pond, sparking fears among campaigners it could cause irreversible damage to the nearby Wolborough Fen, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A national newspaper recently listed the fen as one of its 10 'jewels' of English nature under threat from development. Protesters entered the site with placards to see the pond firsthand.
Teignbridge Council stated the creation of the drainage pond fell outside the approved areas and issued a temporary stop notice, set to expire next week.
At the time, Vistry said it would continue to collaborate with the council to address any concerns and ensure recommended planning procedures were adhered to.
However, ward councillors have today received an email from council officers informing them that Vistry has confirmed in writing that it will cease work on the entire site, apart from 'mitigation' work to reduce soil erosion and prevent silt from ending up in the fen during storms.
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Discussions are believed to be underway between the council and the property developers.
The email states: "It has been made clear to the developer that regular monitoring of the situation will be undertaken, and it has been stressed to the developer that any continuation of works on the site itself – other than agreed interim mitigation/remediation works – would likely necessitate the council having to formally serve a stop notice and enforcement notice."
News of this development was shared via social media by the Newton Says No group, which has been vocal in its opposition to the NA3 housing project in its present state.
A member of the group declared: "Well done everyone, it just shows what we can achieve if we stick together and stay strong."
Cllr Richard Daws (Ind, Ambrook) said: "This reinforces what we have been saying the whole time, which is please be sure that if you do anything, it is not to the detriment of the SSSI.
"And without doubt the residents putting forward such a strong and cohesive case made it difficult for the developers and the council to ignore."
Vistry Homes has been asked to provide a comment on the recent developments.