Plans for retirement housing to be built on a former care home site in Exmouth have been recommended for approval by planners.

A decision on the proposal by McCarthy and Stone for 30 retirement flats on the site of Davey Court, Buckingham Close, will be made by East Devon District Council’s development management committee on February 7.

Ahead of that meeting, a report by the council’s planning department has recommended approval, despite concerns previously being raised by Exmouth Town Council.

The report states: “The existing building which is to be replaced makes no positive contribution to the visual amenity of the site and its replacement with the proposed apartment buildings would see the re-use of a brownfield site which would enhance the visual amenity of the site and the character and appearance of the area.

“The building has been carefully designed to ensure that its impact on the residential amenities of the occupiers of surrounding properties would be acceptable.

“The proposal would be in a highly sustainable location and would utilise a brownfield site which is encouraged by planning policy.”