Plans for retirement housing to be built on a former care home site in Exmouth have been approved.

The proposal by McCarthy and Stone is for 30 retirement flats on the site of Davey Court, Buckingham Close. Members of East Devon District Council’s development management committee this week voted to approve.

Councillors were told that Exmouth Town Council had objected, raising concerns that more housing for the elderly would create an imbalanced community, but were told that this was not a planning consideration, and would anyway be offset by 350 homes for all ages planned for the adjacent Plumb Park.

Councillor Mark Williamson said: “My initial reservations have been overcome.

“Overlooking has been a major issue, but officers have gone into it very thoroughly indeed. There has been very good consultation with neighbouring residents.

“I did regret there was a great deal of felling of trees, but I’m assured by the landscaping condition that the matter has been adequately addressed.”

Councillor Alan Dent said: “Looking at the design, the use of materials and scale enhances the area – it’s a considerable improvement on what is there today.”

Speaking after the meeting, Simon Mantell, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone, said: “We are delighted that our plans to deliver much needed retirement housing in Exmouth have been unanimously approved by East Devon District Council subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement to provide appropriate contributions to improve local services and infrastructure.

“McCarthy & Stone has worked hard to produce a scheme that regenerates a vacant brownfield site, and positively contributes to the character of the local area.

“We would like to thank local stakeholders and the community for their input and feedback during the consultation process and look forward to making these plans a reality, with construction due to begin on site in spring 2017.”