INCREASING the number of homes in a narrow Cullompton street will result in injury if access for emergency services is compromised.

This is a warning from Shortlands Lane resident Mike Macilroy who said only one fire engine could reach a garage which was reduced to ashes six years ago.

He was evacuated from his home by police for around four hours while 50 fire fighters tackled a blaze at Continental Cars Specialists in December 2004.

Mr Macilroy claims several appliances had to tackle the flames from Fore Street because the lane itself is "not fit for traffic".

Mr Macilroy, who objects to plans for three new houses near his home, said: "The police evacuated us as there were gas bottles and everything else going off. The fire was huge, I took pictures and the flames were way above my house.

"Fore Street was closed as that is where they had to fight the fire from as they couldn't get more than one appliance down here — Shortlands Lane is not fit for traffic."

He says the development of ten flats and two houses on land behind his home was granted permission in August 2008 and he is concerned traffic issues will be exacerbated if Mid Devon District Council accepts proposals for three three-bedroom houses, garages and parking spaces tomorrow afternoon.

He claims both the police and the fire service have "not been asked for any input" by planning officers in respect of the scheme which will be discussed at Tiverton Town Hall tomorrow following concerns raised over access and visibility, whether the site will become overdeveloped or lead to a possible increase in traffic at nearby New Street.

Councillor Mike Thompson said the lane has now become a "rat run" for numerous types of vehicles since a bollard was removed at the top of the lane around 25 years ago.

He said the development of new houses and flats, which could see an increase of up to 30 people living in the area, would increase traffic movements, congestion and refuse collections.

"Building more houses and flats there will increase traffic and danger. If there is a fire in the middle of all of those houses and you can't get to it, sooner or later somebody will get hurt," he said.

Mid Devon District Council said they will recommend acceptance for the three new houses providing an agreement is reached with the developer that £3,591 is provided to improve public spaces in the town.

The highways authority, Devon County Council, says access roads to the site are at "full capacity due to their poor width and inadequate junctions but it has no objections with the development because the sale of vehicles at the site is likely to cease and the traffic generated by the new homes would be more appropriate for a residential area".

Jenny Clifford, planning officer for Mid Devon District Council, said road safety, traffic generation and emergency services access have been taken into account by the Highway Authority, therefore "negating the need to consult the emergency services directly".

She said: "The Highway Authority is fully aware of the location of the site in relation to its surroundings and no longer has any objections to the plans."

The application was deferred at a meeting of the planning committee on August 4 for a site visit by councillors and a highways representative so issues relating to the site could be discussed.