A major new planning battle has broken out over the Great Court Farm site in Totnes where developers are in the middle of building 74 new homes.

The developers have found they need planning permission for the works site compound they have already constructed in a field opposite the 6.5 acre development site sold off by the Duke of Somerset.

But Berry Pomeroy parish councillors have said no – and told them to find somewhere else to park their lorries and cars.

Baker Estates, which is carrying out the controversial homes scheme, has warned that if it cannot have the compound then the vehicles will have to park on the local streets, causing inconvenience and obstruction to nearby ­residents.

But parish council chairman John Mills said other developers found parking facilities within their own construction site and Baker Estates should do the same. He said: “They’ve taken over this field without planning permission and then come back to us thinking we’re going to clap our hands and welcome them in. We won’t. They’ve walked all over us and now we’ve popped our heads up and they’re upset. They’re out of order.

“They’ve just been taking us for granted. They’re a big firm and we’re a small parish council and they felt they were going to steam roller over us. They’ve found out we have a bit of a bite.”

The Great Court Farm site on the edge of Totnes at the top of Bridgetown has been causing major outcries since the Duke of Somerset first revealed plans to develop the site, won planning permission and then sold it off to Baker Estates.

Baker Estates set up the compound in the field opposite the main site after it began development last year, believing it did not need planning permission.

It was not until October last year that it became clear that it did need permission and the company submitted a planning application to South Hams District Council.

Since then Berry Pome­roy Parish Council, along with members of the public, has objected to the compound amid concerns that it could become permanent and end up as a site for more housing.

Baker Estates has reacted angrily to the objections. Development director Graham Hutton said: “We’re extremely disappointed that BPPC has reversed its decision to support our planning application for a site compound opposite our site at Great Court Farm.

“It has always been our intention to establish a compound with sufficient off-road parking for all of our contractors, as well as a canteen and ancillary offices. This prevents disruption to local residents and unnecessary congestion on the roads.

“However, should SHDC now refuse our planning application on the advice of BPPC, we will have no choice but to advise our contractors to park their vehicles – legally – on local streets away from the construction activities.

“This will cause inconvenience and ob­struction to the residents of the parish, which we’re extremely keen to avoid.”

The company has written individually to all the councillors on BPPC, according to Cllr Mills.

He said Baker Estates had “ripped the field to blazes” and the parish council wanted to see it returned to its original condition.

Mr Hutton said his company was “deeply frustrated” by the parish council’s attitude in rejecting the compound application, claiming it will have an adverse effect on local wildlife and will not be sympathetic to the wider landscape.

He said: “We’ve been working incredibly hard to ensure that Great Court Farm can progress in the best way possible. We believe our development is the single biggest investment in the parish in a decade, including affordable housing at 44 per cent, well in excess of local planning policy. Our Section 106 contributions will bring many additional benefits to the parish.

“We’re a local housebuilder with many years of experience. We’re delivering an outstanding scheme, well-designed and responsive to the needs of the local community. We’re investing in the local economy, employing local contractors, contributing financially through the S106 agreement and building homes that will be occupied by local people.

“It’s deeply regrettable that in this instance we’ve been thwarted by local politics, and sadly the result of this action will be felt most keenly by the parish’s residents.”