Renewed plans for a 40-bedroom care home to be built at 14 Cyprus Road have been opposed by town councillors.

Plans for the care home, on the site of former student accommodation, were initially approved by East Devon District Council (EDDC) in 2010, despite town councillors’ objections.

However, the care home was not built, and the developer then put forward a plan for apartments on the site, which EDDC refused last year.

Now, the developer has applied to extend the planning permission for the care home – which will expire in March - for another three years.

As before, town councillors are against the scheme.

Councillor Sandy MacQueen said: “I don’t think any of our objections from before have altered. I think EDDC’s objections to [the flats scheme] further support our view.”

Councillors pointed out that new accommodation for the elderly has opened in the area since 2010, reducing the need for a care home.

Cllr MacQueen said: “The reason you have [planning permission] time limits is so you can revisit it and see if things have changed, and I think they have changed.”

Councillors voted to object to the scheme on the grounds that it would not comply with the Avenues Design Statement, would be overbearing, and would create a loss of amenity. They also said there was inadequate parking provision, and raised concerns about sewer and drainage provision for such a large development after recent flooding in the town.

EDDC will now make the final decision.