WEST Devon Borough Council has apologised to three councillors caught up in public outrage over an outline scheme for 250 homes in Tavistock’s Plymouth Road.

The controversial planning application, submitted by Linden Homes, was passed under what is known as delegated authority, which meant it did not go before a full planning committee for a decision.

Instead, it was passed after consultation with Tavistock councillors Adam Bridgewater and Mandy Ewings. Another councillor, Dartmoor ward member Mark Renders, was also due to be consulted, but was not.

The furore that followed sparked a full-scale investigation set up by council leader Neil Jory and chief executive Andy Bates. Its full findings have now been published.

Cllr Jory said today: “I would firstly like to make it clear that Cllrs Adam Bridgewater and Mandy Ewings the local ward members for Tavistock South West, in allowing the application under the scheme of delegation, did make the only decision that they could have with the information that they were given.

’I also acknowledge that the Dartmoor ward Cllr Mark Renders was never consulted about the application and therefore could not represent his electorate for this application.

’All of the councillors involved have now received an apology from officers for shortcoming in our internal processes, which are now being addressed.’