Devon Couple's Peace Shattered by Sudden Neighbor Development
A Devon couple's tranquil retirement has been disrupted by the unexpected construction of a new housing estate adjacent to their home. Martine Le Barth, 75, and her husband returned from a six-month holiday to find their once-peaceful bungalow overshadowed by two-storey houses, a sight that has since caused them considerable distress.
The couple, who moved to South Molton's Parklands Estate in 1992, claim they were assured the land behind their property would remain undeveloped. The sudden appearance of the new homes has not only blocked sunlight from reaching their residence but also compromised their privacy, with strangers now able to peer into their bedrooms.
Martine describes the impact on her mental health and sleep as severe, with the construction noise beginning as early as 7am. 'Our house went from being the most desirable to the least desirable with those big buildings so close to us,' she lamented, highlighting the stark change in their living conditions.
The development, part of Tilia Homes' Cashmere Park project, was approved by North Devon Council in 2021. It promises 129 homes, public open space, and a children's play area. However, Martine insists they were unaware of any formal consultation regarding the current scheme, leaving them feeling blindsided by the rapid transformation of their neighborhood.
