A NEW home in Douglas Avenue with access from Colvin Close has not been backed by town planners - because of concerns from neighbours and two campaign groups.

A NEW home in Douglas Avenue with access from Colvin Close has not been backed by town planners - because of concerns from neighbours and two campaign groups.

The owners of 83 Douglas Avenue have applied to demolish a garage and utility room of one property and build a two storey house, with access from Colvin Close.

However neighbours have expressed concerns, and David Preston of Colvin Close said: "As a resident for 15 years we have had problems when cars have been parked where the new access is requested.

"When cars are parked there is little time to react when driving...my family have had several near misses."

He said that the access would likely cause an accident 'with the chance of serious injury or death'.

Dr Gordon Taylor and Susan Taylor of Colvin Close were among at least half-a-dozen neighbours who shred the view that the plans would not be 'sympathetic' to the character of the area and that a new drive off 'narrow' Colvin Close was potentially dangerous.

This was reiterated by Stuart Lewis, of Colvin Close, who added that the access would 'affect everyone' driving in or out of the Close.

Ian Cann, Secretary of the Exmouth Society said: "...the proposed dwelling encroaches too closely to the existing building no 83..."

And Pat Attard, of Douglas Avenue, Chairman of the SAD campaign group, added: "The access is too narrow and does not provide adequate visibility...if (visibility) splays are provided this would be detrimental to the street scene."

Town councillors were concerned with overdevelopment - the property takes up more than a quarter of the plot - and residents of Colvin close were not consulted.

Cllr Sandy Sutton said: "This is a difficult one. The house is a very pleasant design and fits in with the street scene.

"The size of the house may be an issue - it is too big for the plot. I think it is overdevelopment of the site."

She added that access was unsuitable and dangerous and that county highways should make a site visit before making a final recommendation:

"The development would require access from Colvin Close. I think more than one property using one access would cause problems," she said.

Cllr Ken Harper said: "There is difficulty with parking in the area. The owner has one van two cars and a trailer.

"He might have to park on the road."

The plans will now be considered by East Devon District Council.