Fury as Fremington Army Camp homes advertised with "views over the Cornish Sea"

THE developers behind plans to build 277 homes at Fremington Army Camp have provoked anger among locals after advertising the development as a "waterside development overlooking the Cornish sea".

The advert has appeared on property website www.bovishomes.co.uk where it was spotted by North Devon Council's Fremington ward member Frank Biederman.

Although the developers also say they are surprised to see the advert. Frances Firmstone, from Fremington Developments LLP, said: "I didn't know Bovis had advertised the development so it's a surprise to me. 

"We haven't contracted with Bovis but within reason they can do what they want.

"I can understand people would be upset."

Planning permission for the development was refused in December and the developers have appealed against that decision.

The decision of an independent inspector is likely to be made public around the end of May. 

It is common practice for developers to advertise homes before they are built, but Mr Biederman says in this case doing so shows the "spectacular arrogance" of the developers.

The advert says: "The waterside development is set overlooking the Cornish sea in a small village and civil parish in North Devon, approximately three miles west of Barnstaple. 

"It offers great views of the surrounding countryside and is a short distance from the town centre. It also has easy access to other towns along the coastal roads."

that advert has angered Mr Biederman and plenty of other Fremington residents.

"I find this in poor taste and shows what they know about our village," said Mr Biederman. "It makes me feel sick."

"Some say to me it is a done deal and it will happen, seeing this, you can see why they say this."

Mr Biederman also said he had a friend call Bovis Homes to find out what they would tell him. 

He was told the homes would be ready in six months and the fact the site is subject to planning permission wasn't mentioned.

"But all we can do is wait and see how the appeal goes," said Mr Biederman, "and hope the inspector agrees with the community of Fremington.

"I believe we have a strong and genuine case and I guess people will be a little concerned about a company that claims Fremington is in Cornwall, the Army Camp is on the waterside and close to the town centre."

Barry Cummins, Bovis Homes’ South West Sales & Marketing Director, said: "Following our standard sales and marketing programme, we place potential 'coming soon' developments on our website to offer local people the chance to register their interest in buying a new home.

"It does not presume that consent will be given but rather offers us the opportunity to build up a database of local homebuyers to contact should permission be granted. This is part of the process of making the construction of our developments as smooth as possible with disruption and delays kept to a minimum.

More than 100 potential buyers have so far registered in this way at Fremington and we will remain in communication with them to keep them updated about the progress of the plans.

"Should full planning consent be given we will send them a brochure with more detailed information about the housetypes that will be available."

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Update: Bovis Homes’ description of the Army Camp development was changed at around midday today.

The new description omits to mention “views of the Cornish sea” and simply states the homes will have an estuary view. It also no longer describes Fremington as a “small” village but describes it as picturesque.

It does, however, still say the homes will be “near Launceston”, which is 38 miles, or more than an hour drive, away.

See the advert at: http://www.bovishomes.co.uk/new-homes-at-fremington/waterside-fremington/