Work continues at Lock's Hill, despite stop notice

Work appears to have continued at the Lock's Hill site on Derby Road, despite South Hams District Council issuing a temporary stop notice yesterday. 

Members of the Save Lock's Hill Facebook page noticed early this morning that work was still being done at the site, also known as Garden Hill, despite South Hams District Council issuing a temporary stop notice yesterday after they said that "preparatory work has started on the Garden Hill site without some of the agreed conditions in place". 

The developers, Blakesley Estates, said that the only thing being done was "trial pits" but lots of vegetation was being removed today, as shown in the video below, shot by Emma Jones.

When asked why work was continuing on site today, Blakesley Estates spokesperson said: "Unfortunately I cant comment on ongoing legal issues with SHDC. You have the previous statement which updates everyone on our position on site and with the wider planning issues." You can read their statement in full in our previous story HERE. 

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are very aware of the community feeling currently in respect of the new housing development at Locks Hill, Derby Road, Kingsbridge.

"We attended yesterday and spoke to interested parties after allegations that Blakesley Estates were continuing work in contravention of the temporary stop notice which has been issued by South Hams Council. This a civil matter and not dealt with by Police. We attended to gather evidence on their behalf and to prevent any breach of the peace. We understand that SHDC are in the process of attempting to obtain a court order to stop the development.

"In respect of offences against the Wildlife Act, which are crimes and are dealt with by us, we have no evidence that nests and habitats have definitely been destroyed, merely speculation that they may have been. If anyone has evidence of an offence against the Wildlife act then please call 101 to report this."

We also contacted SHDC for an updated statement but they have no responded immediately to comment. We will update the story with any further statements as soon as we can.