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Homes have ‘reduced in value’ since South Devon Highway Construction

There have been nearly 800 claims from residents whose homes have ‘reduced in value’ since the construction of the South Devon Highway, it has been revealed.

The new £110m expressway between Torquay and Newton Abbot opened with great fanfare in December 2015, easing the congestion between the towns and ending the long queues of traffic through Kingskerswell.

But residents whose homes have ‘reduced in value’ since the construction of the South Devon Highway will receive compensation under the Land Compensation Act 1973. In 2017, it has revealed that 369 compensation claims from residents living near the road who say the increase in noise levels are unbearable and properties have suffered from structural damage had been received by Devon County Council.

But at Thursday full council meeting, it was announced that there were now nearly 800 claims, but that also that it won’t be until the end of 2018 when they start to be processed.

Councillor Alistair Dewhirst, who represents the Ipplepen and the Kerswells ward in which the road bisects, said: “Hundreds of thousands of people had their lives dramatically improved by this road and that is something we should be thankful for. But some people’s lives are dramatically worse.

“They have to put up with the noise and the dust and pollution from this highway and they are not looking forward to the summer as they can’t sit in gardens and life much harder for them. Last year, we were told that part 1 claims would start in the Spring, but now, it may not be until the end of this year."

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