A PROPOSED seven storey, 14 flat Marina development has been labelled a ‘monstrosity’ by town planners who refused to back it on Monday.

A PROPOSED seven storey, 14 flat Marina development has been labelled a ‘monstrosity’ by town planners who refused to back it on Monday.

Eagle One Homes Ltd has applied to build the apartments, with three shops, parking and a new seawall at Pier Head, Mamhead View on Exmouth Quay.

But councillors, who unanimously recommended the plans for refusal, said it would dwarf a nearby three storey development, ruin the vista of the area, would be a flood risk, restricted access for emergency vehicles and had too little parking.

There was also concern that Exmouth Quay residents could end up picking up the tab for maintaining any new sea wall.

Town manager Tony Collins said: “There is a need to regenerate this area…and particularly this site.

“However the height and scale is considerably greater than other existing developments.”

Cllr Maddie Chapman said she couldn’t understand why the development was even being considered when taxpayers were paying for LDA Design to draw up a seafront masterplan.

Councillor Eileen Wragg said the plans had been ‘brewing’ for at least 18 months:

“It would be overbearing on neighbours and I consider it a further desecration of our lovely sea front

“I am concerned that the ongoing costs to maintain the seawall would fall to the management company, and then fall to the residents.

“It could well be that this town council will became responsible for indemnifying this, we just don’t know.”

She called it the ‘latest phase’ of a ‘creeping development’ and a ‘monstrosity.’

Cllr Ian Stewart said he was ‘totally against it’ while Cllr Steve Gazzard said: “The planning documents describes it as an iconic building.

“To me it will be a carbuncle on the landscape. It is gross overdevelopment.”

Deputy Mayor Sandy Sutton said: “I really think we should stand firm against this development.”

The plans will now be considered by district planners.