AN application to build a low cost housing development on land at Sourton Down is being recommended for refusal by Dartmoor National Park Authority?s planning officers.

The land is between the old A30 and the redundant railway line and cycle track.

Sourton Parish Council has supported the application on grounds that extra dwellings would maintain the vitality of the community.

But there have been objections from the county council?s environment director, who says the location is non-sustainable from a highways point of view ? and West Devon Borough Council?s housing needs survey has not revealed a requirement for local housing in the parish.

A neighbour has also objected.

DNPA planning officer Jo Burgess said: ?The site has previously been the subject of an application for a single dwelling. This was refused in 1988 for being sporadic development in the countryside and because of the impact on highway safety.?

Ms Burgess said Sourton Down was not considered a village and any development would extend the built up area into open land and be ?very visible? from the A386.

The application is recommended for refusal on grounds it would result in unjustified new dwellings in the countryside which would detract from the character and appearance of the national park.

The planning committee is to consider the application at its meeting tomorrow (Friday).