Plans for new homes on the site of former care facilities in Exmouth have been formally opposed by town councillors.

Members of Exmouth Town Council’s planning committee said that although they supported the principle of housing at Exebank and Danby House, Mudbank Lane, there were too many issues with the application at this time to offer support.

The committee heard this week that the plan, for 36 homes, had drawn objections from East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) landscape architect and Devon County Council’s flood and coastal risk management engineer.

Committee chairman Lynne Elson said: “In principle, I think we all agree that we want something built there, but the problems raised tonight are quite substantial.”

Councillor Bill Nash said: “This is a major, full application. It’s going to go to EDDC’s development management committee (DMC).

“I think DMC should sort this out. We want in principle to accept the development, but I’m afraid it’s beyond the town council’s scope to go in depth with all these remaining questions that need answering.”

Councillor Maddy Chapman said: “We wouldn’t accept this development anywhere else in town without all these things being right.”

The committee was also addressed by district councillor for Halsdon Megan Armstrong, who said while most local residents were in favour of homes at the site in principle, there were concerns that too many homes were proposed, and about the effect on traffic on Mudbank Lane.

Speaking for the developer DCH Group, David Seaton, of PCL Planning, said that it was proposing 50 per cent affordable housing, and suggested if the scheme were rejected, a subsequent developer may only propose 25 per cent, in line with the East Devon Local Plan.

EDDC will decide on permission.