Care home redevelopment opposed again

Plans for 61 retirement living units on the site of the former Moreton Care Home have again drawn objections from Exmouth Town Council.

The plan for the site, in Drakes Avenue, was previously opposed by the town council’s planning committee in September.

After more detailed plans were submitted by the applicants, Methodist Homes, the committee was this week asked to consider the scheme again – but remained unimpressed.

Councillor Brian Bailey said: “I am totally opposed. The car park is wholly inappropriate. There are eight or nine trees with tree preservation orders at serious risk from the car park alone.”

Cllr Bailey, who also raised concerns about the effect on neighbours in Avondale Road and Freelands Close, said the proposal contravened the East Devon Local Plan.

The committee voted to keep its objections as previously stated, with concerns about car parking, a loss of privacy and amenity to neighbours, and that the scheme would be ‘over-development’ of the site.

East Devon District Council will make the final decision on planning permission.