SCORES of objectors to plans for a new 154-home development at Courtlands Cross packed into Lympstone Village Hall for a meeting to discuss the controversial application. More than 140 people attended a meeting organised by The Courtlands/Lympstone actio

SCORES of objectors to plans for a new 154-home development at Courtlands Cross packed into Lympstone Village Hall for a meeting to discuss the controversial application.

More than 140 people attended a meeting organised by The Courtlands/Lympstone action group last Monday, April 20, which outlined reasons why the plans should be turned down and how residents could submit objections.

The application, submitted by Strategic Land Partnerships, calls for a development on greenbelt land wedged between Lympstone and Exmouth.

If approved, it would be on an area the size of 20 football pitches at Courtlands Cross on the A376.

The parish council held a planning committee meeting before the action group opened its session when a vote was taken on the number of people who objected or supported the proposals.

Not one person in the 140-plus audience said they approved. The planning committee decided it would object the plans.

Rob Longhurst, chairman of The Courtlands/Lympstone action group, said the group was set up a number of months ago in the anticipated event there was strong objection.

Mr Longhurst, pleased with the large turnout at the meeting, said: "It is the sort of thing that has united the village.

"It has shown a British bulldog spirit in people, of when our backs are up against the wall, we get up and fight."

The action group believes if the development goes ahead, Lympstone will lose its green wedge; the area will lose its identity and instead of being a rural area it will become part of the urbanisation of Exmouth.

The group also believes the proposed new exit onto the already-congested A376 will add yet more traffic and cause extra pollution.

Audience members were invited to ask questions during the meeting to the action group.

People raised concerns about a number of issues including the impact the development could have on the environment and how the application contravenes documents such as Lympstone Village Plan.

One lady received a round of applause when she questioned what kind of impact the Strategic Land Partnerships' plans would have on health and safety in the village.

She said: "I have lived in this village for around 30 years. I try to keep fit by walking and cycling but I have found it every-so difficult in recent years moving around safely because of all the new developments that have gone up."

Marion Parry-Jones, of Courtlands Lane, said she was concerned about the potential loss of the village's green wedge.

"East Devon District Council with their development plan going to 2011, shows quite clearly that there should be a green wedge between Lympstone and Exmouth.

"My husband and I have been in contact with the National Trust who do not want their property in an urban sprawl. We have also been in touch with A La Ronde who are totally against it."

All objections to the application need to be received by EDDC by Friday, May 7.