Amended plans to redevelop an Exmouth care home have been slammed by a councillor as ‘putting old people in a box’.

Exmouth Town Council previously objected to plans for 61 retirement living units at the former Moreton Care Home, in Drakes Avenue, saying among other concerns that neighbours would be overlooked. In response, the council’s planning committee was told an amendment to the planning application had been filed, saying obscure glazing would be fitted to windows – but this did not go down well with councillors.

Councillor Richard Scott, who addressed the planning committee as a Withycombe ward member, said: “I can’t believe that anybody would bring a planning application to put old people in a box with obscure glazing. It’s a ridiculous suggestion.”

Councillor Bill Nash said: “I think they should go back to the drawing board. It is ridiculous to build flats where you have to put in obscure glazing because you can’t be overlooking someone.”

Committee members voted to continue their opposition to the plan. East Devon District Council will decide on permission.