I started this petition on Monday 16 March 2026 because of the profound impact the proposed 130-home development off Silver Street would have on our village. But as I have immersed myself deeper in the details—reviewing planning documents, listening to neighbours, and examining the wider picture—I have seen and heard things that demand immediate, village-wide action.

This is no longer just about one site. It is now about every planned and future housing development across our lovely Willand.

I am not against progress. I embrace it wholeheartedly. I work daily in the fast-moving world of cloud and artificial intelligence, where I am an early adopter of transformative change. I passionately want our sons and daughters to be able to afford a home or rent a home of their own here in the community they love. That is exactly why I support building new homes.

What I cannot support is a fragmented, reactive planning system that allows hundreds of new houses to be built before the essential infrastructure—safe roads, school places, GP capacity, drainage, and enforceable green spaces—is ready to cope with the growth.

Developers routinely promise generous open spaces, biodiversity net gain, and sustainable features. We must hold them rigorously to account so those promises become delivered reality, not forgotten marketing claims.

The recent outline approval for the Silver Street scheme (11 March 2026), despite clear objections from Willand and Halberton Parish Councils on breaches of the Local Plan and our Neighbourhood Plan, has highlighted the urgency. Willand has already absorbed far more growth than ever allocated.

Without a truly joined-up approach, we risk congestion, strained services, and a village that no longer feels like home.

Today, as we close out the third week, we stand at 342 signatures. Thank you to every supporter. Now is the moment to accelerate—this campaign deserves 500 signatures and more.

Together, we can demand better: infrastructure first, accountable development, and sustainable growth that works for our children, not at their expense.

Please if you can..Sign now and Share with neighbours, friends, and family across Willand and beyond. 

Together we can ensure Willand and our surrounding areas grow sustainably—for our children, not despite them.

Thank you.

Paul Toby Fernbank

Willand Resident & Campaign Lead

We call on Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) to listen to the local Parish Council’s and respect the agreed Neighbourhood Plans - to ensure that rapid housing development in our village—and surrounding areas—is matched by proper infrastructure, safety measures, and delivery of planning commitments.

Across Willand and neighbouring Cullompton and Halberton, over 1,600 new homes are being delivered or proposed. This represents a major increase in population and places significant pressure on local infrastructure, services, and road networks.

We have serious concerns in four key areas:

1. Green Spaces & Planning Commitments

Residents are concerned that developments are not fully delivering the green spaces and community amenities promised in approved plans, reducing quality of life and access to outdoor space.

2. Road Safety & Junction Design

The proposed new T-junction near the Esso site on Silver Street—opposite an already busy junction—raises significant safety concerns. This is compounded by a 40mph speed limit and frequent pedestrian crossings by children, elderly residents, and walkers.

3. Pressure on Schools & Healthcare

The scale of development is expected to increase the population by over 1,000 people in Willand alone, with no clear plan to expand school places or GP services. This risks overwhelming already stretched local provision.

4. Regional Traffic & Infrastructure Impact

Large-scale development in nearby Cullompton, combined with existing traffic, is placing increasing strain on the B3181 and M5 Junction 28. Additionally, when the M5 motorway closes, large volumes of diverted traffic pass directly through Willand, creating extreme congestion and safety risks.

WE CALL FOR:

1.*GREEN SPACES:* Full enforcement of all planning commitments, particularly green spaces.
2.*SAFE ROADS*: A full road safety review, including consideration of a roundabout and reduced speed limits
* Improvements to local road infrastructure, including the B3181 and M5 Junction 27 & 28.
3. *EDUCATION & HEALTHCARE*: Investment in school capacity and healthcare services in line with population growth
4. *IMPROVED MDDC PLANNING & GOVERNANCE CONTROLS*: Proper assessment of cumulative impact across all developments in Willand, Cullompton and Halberton by Mid Devon District Council, not just in silos!
* Greater transparency and accountability in planning decisions from Mid Devon District Council (MDDC). 
 

Willand deserves development that is safe, sustainable, and supported by the infrastructure needed for a thriving community—not development that overwhelms it!

Please sign/pass on this petition to protect our village and its future!

Thank you

From Toby and the other concerned residents of Willand.

Please join me in standing up for Willand by signing this petition.

Together, we can send a resounding message to Mid Devon District Council to review ALL the developments together.

Together we can help shape the future for the greater good of our community!