Traffic fears over new homes plan

Traffic from a proposed new housing development in Lympstone could pose a serious risk to residents, councillors have been told.

Developer RS Developments has applied to build four new homes at Jackson Meadow, on a site to the east of the youth club, and north of the burial ground.

The development would use an access between 14 and 15 Jackson Meadow, and during a discussion at Lympstone Parish Council’s meeting this week about the plan, grave concerns were raised about this, with councillors being told the road access would come within two feet of the front door of number 15 – a family home.

Elizabeth Reynolds, who lives close to the access, said: “If this goes ahead, we are looking at an accident waiting to happen.”

Geoff Lill, of the Jackson Meadow Residents’ Association, supported these concerns, and also raised fears about the effect new homes would have on traffic throughout Jackson Meadow.

He said: “There is a serious risk of injury or death to residents with further development, with access and egress via Jackson Meadow and its approach road.”

It was pointed out to councillors that the site should be suitable for development, as it is inside the village’s built-up area boundary, and was also allocated for development in its neighbourhood plan.

However, many councillors shared residents’ concern about the access.

Councillor Jenny Clark said: “I am extremely concerned by access and highway safety going into there. It’s a very crowded courtyard, there are often children playing there, and that is a concern.”

Council chairman, Councillor Richard Eastley, said: “I would say it’s a poor and dangerous access into that site.”

After discussion, councillors voted to hold a site visit, after which they will decide whether or not to support the scheme.

East Devon District Council will then rule on planning permission.