EAST Devon s planning officers have recommended refusal of plans to build a new 154-home development at Courtlands Cross in Lympstone. The recommendation will be considered by EDDC s development management committee on June 1 when members of the public wi

EAST Devon's planning officers have recommended refusal of plans to build a new 154-home development at Courtlands Cross in Lympstone.

The recommendation will be considered by EDDC's development management committee on June 1 when members of the public will be able to make their own comments in a structured speaking session.

Paul Diviani, committee chairman councillor, said: "Despite the fact that the application is recommended for refusal, we expect a number of people to come along wishing to speak.

"We have received 632 letters of objection and we want all those people who gave us their comments to know that this meeting is taking place and that some of them will be able to talk.

We would hope that the numbers of speakers can be limited by groups appointing a spokesperson to represent them".

According to a report prepared by planning officers, the outline planning application from Strategic Land Partnerships contravenes provisions of the local plan.

And, since it lies within a Green Wedge where development is deemed to be unacceptable, would lead to undesirable linking of Exmouth to the village of Lympstone.

In addition, the scale of the development is expected to generate a high level of primary and secondary school students, bringing unacceptable and unplanned pressure on educational facilities, which are unable to cope with such pressure.

It's also expected to cause a significant increase in traffic in the narrow Summer Lane and Courtlands Lane, with consequent risk to road users.

The site is remote from adequate services, the proposal would increase the need for travel by private vehicles and would have inadequate recreational facilities.

The applicants have failed to address the possible impact on the road network and, finally, have failed to show that the impact on nearby listed buildings would be acceptable.

The proposal has received objections or expressions of concern from many local agencies, including Lympstone Parish Council, the Highways Agency, County Highway Authority, County Education Authority, National Trust, Natural England, and RSPB.