The latest plan to develop a controversial site in Lympstone has been rejected by East Devon District Council.

The plan to build 33 homes at Courtlands Cross came after a plan to build 154 homes on the site was rejected last year.

Developer Strategic Land Partnerships hoped that a reduced number of homes, combined with East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) stated lack of a five-year land supply for housing, would be enough to secure planning permission this time.

However, Lympstone residents were as opposed as ever, with more than 400 letters of objection being submitted, and the parish council voicing its concerns.

And it is the villagers who have won the day, with EDDC’s planning department deciding to refuse planning permission, on the grounds that it is outside the village’s built-up area boundary, and would harm the distinctive landscape, amenity and environmental qualities of the area.

Officers also said the plan should not go ahead as it is within the village’s designated green wedge between it and Exmouth.

It remains to be seen if Strategic Land Partnerships will appeal against the decision, as it did with its previous plan, which was then rejected by a planning inspector.