The Elizabeth Hall was busy on Tuesday as residents, traders, visitors and community groups quizzed experts on the future development of Exmouth.

Sixty-two people turned out to meet consultants LDA Design and East Devon District Council officers and questioned them on aspects of the recently-released draft masterplan that will shape Exmouth over the next 40 years.

LDA Design was commissioned by East Devon District Council and Devon County Council to draw-up a blueprint for Exmouth town centre and seafront.

The drop-in session included an exhibition showing details of the proposals and was part of the 11-week public consultation that concludes on September 12.

The discussion included the regeneration of the London Inn and Royal Avenue sites, town centre regeneration and a superstore on the Rugby Club’s training ground.

Other topics included a ‘Linear’ park lining the estuary linking it to the town centre and Camperdown Terrace, developing the Elizabeth Hall to kick-start regeneration along the seafront and a new transport interchange.

A council spokesman said: “There were 62 people in the audience, which was pretty much a full house. They were representing various local organisations and businesses.”