Concern about plans to ‘split up’ Exmouth development proposal

Revised plans to build 52 homes by Withycombe Brook have been opposed by Exmouth Town Council.

Planning permission for the homes on the site, between St John’s Road and Hadrians Way, was initially granted in 2013.

However, developer Highland Property Development has now come forward proposing the same number of homes in a different layout.

This was met with concern from members of Exmouth Town Council’s planning committee, who complained that under the new layout ‘affordable’ homes were being split up from free-market properties, rather than ‘pepper-potted’ among them in accordance with planning policy set out in the East Devon Local Plan.

Councillor Bill Nash said: “This is a totally different layout.

“We have got two different estates emerging here. It’s a little disturbing to see it split up like this.”

The committee also heard concerns about the possible flood risks of building by the brook.

Councillor Brian Toye said: “This is naturally a water meadow. With all these houses and concrete foundations, the land isn’t able to soak up excessive water.

“We have had problems further down the stream. I think there’s a great risk of [the development] exacerbating the problems further down.”

Members of the committee voted to oppose the application, due to concerns about ‘pepper-potting’, flooding, and also that there was no through access to the proposed estate, in particular for emergency vehicles.

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