A planned new link road in Dawlish as part of a scheme to build 860 homes is edging nearer.

Devon County Council's cabinet has agreed to progress a planning application for the road, between Elm Grove Road and the A379 Exeter Road.

It forms part of Teignbridge District Council's local plan to build the houses on the edge of Dawlish near Secmaton Lane. It's secured £4.9 million from the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund for the link road, including a bridge over Shutterton Brook.

The lack of the link road during the construction of 400 homes in the area had caused "many issues" in the town, councillors heard on Wednesday, as works' vehicles had to rely on Elm Grove Road which runs through the heart of the town.

Councillor Martin Wrigley (Lib Dem, Dawlish) said the development had led to "misery, danger and damage whilst the construction traffic thundered past a primary school, a secondary school and a nursery".

"Too many times to count we've seen images of heavy lorries negotiating at speed past family groups at school drop off and collection times," Cllr Wrigley added.

"Today's decision will mean the remaining 800+ houses can be constructed using the new link road instead."

The project could be delayed as the land necessary has to be negotiated with landowners. But the cabinet heard that one of the five owners of the site have told the district council they no longer wish to sell for development.

A report by Dave Black, the council's head of planning, transportation and environment, said without this land, called 'Area 3' (pictured), the bridge and link road "cannot be built". However, if these negotiations fail, the council would consider a compulsory purchase order.

Teignbridge District Council has asked the county council to help with the project, including working together to acquire the land needed for the road and bridge.

Mr Black added: "As an alternative, [Teignbridge] could do nothing and hand the Housing Infrastructure Fund monies back to Homes England leaving the landowners/developers to design and construct the link road and bridge. However, if this were the case it is likely that the funding gap will cause the development to stall."

"If no progress is made the Housing Infrastructure Funding is likely to fall away, with negative consequences for the success of the urban extension and the surrounding area of Dawlish."

Teignbridge District Council leader Alan Connett, who is also the opposition leader of Devon County Council, told the cabinet he was grateful for the joint approach to the project.

"I hope compulsory purchase won't be necessary, but I'm glad it's in [the report] as a measure of the councils' joint commitment to deliver this scheme, which is much needed," he said.

Councillor Rob Hannaford (Exwick & St Thomas), leader of the Labour group, added: "This is the way it should be done and not the other way around. I've had many developments where the cart has been put before the horse and it's never been a good solution.

"That is why so many communities in Devon resist development, because they don't see the infrastructure going in, they don't seem to be done in a proper way. As a country I think we need to up our game and look at things with much more common sense and rationality."

Cllr Hannaford also said he supported the use of a compulsory purchase order as a last resort.

Dave Black's report adds: "The link road will help reduce emissions by providing better opportunities for active travel, public transport and possibly some marginal reduction in some car journey lengths, particularly in relation to short local journeys."