LOCAL county and town councillor Andrew Govier says he is investigating rumours that landowners may be looking to build to the south of the A38.

Mr Govier (pictured) said earlier this week: “I have been contacted by local residents concerned about the potential for building to take place in fields outside agreed planning areas.

“Apparently, last week after the elephant grass was cut down there were some people in the field looking like they were taking some form of measurements. This is not something we are expecting.

“There are no plans for development in this area in the current planning period and I have confirmed this with the town clerk. We have always seen the A38 as the natural barrier and I would be reluctant to see any development taking place on that side of the road.

“I really hope that this is not another speculative development like the one at Rockwell Green where a developer is trying to exploit the planning system to get a new development without proper consultation. I will continue to make further enquiries to try to see what is going on.”