Residents from Topsham braved the rain to show their objection to development of the green space between the town and Exeter.

Protesters walked with banners, displaying the message ‘Save the Topsham Gap’, from Matthews Hall to the town’s rugby club.

A plan to build a 60-bed care home was rejected by city councillors earlier this year, but developer Waddeton Park has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

Walk organiser Jack Russell said: “We’re in a critical period of planning. If the council loses this one, the floodgates will be open.

“When it comes to a show of strength, Topsham is going to come through on this.”

A date has now been set for the appeal hearing into the proposed development of land near Exeter Road.

The Planning Inspectorate will hear representations from the public and Exeter City Council (ECC) at Topsham Rugby Club between November 24 and 26.