Proposals for almost 6,500 new homes in Devon are set to be legally challenged by environmental and countryside campaigners.

They say the plans are contrary to new government guidelines for ensuring brownfield sites are used first and greenfield sites only to be used as a last resort.

However, local planners are arguing that the housing plans were drawn up before the new guidelines were introduced.

2,900 houses as well as employment development are planned for Broadclyst, near Exeter and 3,500 new dwellings at Sherford in the South Hams near Plymouth are also proposed.

If approved, the new settlements would result in the needless destruction of Devon countryside by urban sprawl, say countryside campaigners, CPRE who are leading the fight against both proposals. CPRE's Devon Branch is calling for the settlement proposals to be withdrawn and replaced by more sustainable alternatives.

Jim Woollcombe, Chairman of CPRE Devon, said: “Plymouth's housing needs are best met within the existing urban area, not outside it.”

“Those promoting the new settlement at Sherford claim that it would help meet Plymouth's housing shortage. Yet people want access to local services and employment and to retain links with the communities of which they are a part.”

“Building a new settlement outside Plymouth will undoubtedly harm prospects for the city's regeneration by diverting resources, investment and effort away from areas in Plymouth that need it most. We would like to see constructive alternatives considered. These proposals miss the point which is how to make Plymouth a place people want to live, work and invest in.”

The CPRE says the proposal for a new settlement in countryside at Broadclyst near Exeter is equally worrying. This would be a dormitory settlement, isolated from Exeter's economic centre, fostering car dependency and increasing congestion.

Jim Woollcombe commented: “Exeter has more employment land than it actually needs. Estimates of regional housing requirements have been revised downwards since these proposals first came forward.”

“Necessary development should be focused within Exeter, thereby contributing to the longer term prosperity of the city.”

Speaking on BBC TV, James Sharp a local planning consultant said. “There is no option of development not happening. There is a question of where development goes.”

“There’s a great deal of sense in putting all the large-scale development together, east of Exeter near the airport. That’s where all the airport expansion is taking place, where skyport is taking place and the new community could add to that”

Kate Gordon, CPRE's national planning officer said:

“Proposing new settlements before other opportunities have been properly explored is directly contrary to Government policy. Preference should be given to developing urban and previously developed sites before greenfield sites are used.”

“New settlements should be considered only as a last resort when all other options have been fully explored. We need sustainable alternatives which focus development primarily in urban areas and which take account of local needs.”

The Examination-in-Public opened at County Hall, Exeter on Tuesday this week and was the scene of protesters from several organisations who are calling for a legal challenge to the proposals.

The Examination-in-Public will run for four weeks and is also held concurrently at Plymouth Pavilions. Details can be found at www.devon.gov.uk/structureplan/eip.