Talks have begun between the Plympton Pathfields Preservation Group and Beazer Homes to ensure that open land surrounding a new housing development is preserved. The Pathfields Preservation group fought for 5 years to stop the development on one of Plymptons remaining open greenfield sites, and talks have been opened to ensure that Beazer Homes do all in their power to safeguard the surrounding land of the new housing development and to press for improvements on the site itself.

The talks were initiated after a meeting, chaired by local MP Gary Streeter in December 2000, brought the two sides together to discuss the development. That meeting, attended by ward councillors, council officers and representatives from the Environment Agency and South West Water as well as the Pathfields Group and Beazer Homes, paved the way for more detailed discussions.

"We realised that Beazer Homes were just as keen to produce the best housing development on the site as we were to protect the environment and local landscape", said Pathfields spokesperson Kevin Owen. "Issues related to flooding dominated the December meeting, but we really wanted to create a dialogue with Beazer Homes to explore how we might achieve our aims in harmony."

Beazer Homes gained permission from Plymouth City Council in 1999 to construct 31 dwellings on ancient wetland fields that have remained intact for hundreds of years because they form part of the watermeadow of the Plympton floodplain. The Pathfields, adjacent to the Norman motte and bailey castle at Plympton, were the subject of Channel 4 Televisions the ‘Time Team’ investigations broadcast in January 1999 that identified the fields as a former historic landscaped park.

The discussions between the Pathfields Group and Beazer Homes took place on site last week and a range of important issues were raised. Safety concerns that the new flood barrier could result in children or animals becoming trapped or drowned were acknowledged by Beazer Homes who promised to look at measures to increase safety and improve the look of the concrete retaining wall and adjoining culverts.

Landscaping, planting and the protection of existing trees on the site were also high priorities that Beazer Homes gave firm commitments to undertake. Road safety, appropriate street lighting, identification of archaeological features, protecting the bridge on Dark Street Lane and the reinstatement and construction of new Devon hedges were included in the talks. The Pathfields Preservation Group has submitted the Pathfields for Conservation Area Status and invited Beazer Homes to support the upkeep and management of the remaining open land. Beazer Homes also agreed to reinstate the original course of the Long Brook next to the housing site as an open feature.

"We have been delighted by Beazers’ very positive and open response to our aims and hopes for the site." said Kevin Owen. " They now understand how important this land is and appreciate that it is in all our interests to create a housing development that tries to respect the local environment and retain its unique character. While we remain sad that part of the open land has been lost for ever, we are very excited by the potential gains we have secured and assurances on key issues given by the developers."