EXMOUTH will not be getting a new hotel after the district head of planning refused permission because of traffic issues. The proposal to turn the function room and three flats at Courtlands House, in Courtlands Lane, to a 20-bedroom hotel and conference suite ...

EXMOUTH will not be getting a new hotel after the district head of planning refused permission because of traffic issues.The proposal to turn the function room and three flats at Courtlands House, in Courtlands Lane, to a 20-bedroom hotel and conference suite was rejected by the officer under delegated powers.The application had received 29 letters of objections from residents in Lympstone and Exmouth who said "the access and narrow lane is not suitable", "it will detract from the quiet nature of the area" and that "the area would be subject to light and noise pollution".The planning officer refused permission because the development, with its expected traffic increase, would pose a safety risk as well as access problems. It was also refused because not enough information had been handed in with the application.Grace Carleton said in the application: "I wish to enable guests who currently attend functions and meetings to reside at Courtlands."I am at present turning away numerous bookings for conferences as I do not have availability in my property."In the first year 20 jobs were expected to have been created.Although Exmouth Town Council had no objection, Lympstone parish council recommended it be refused as the area could not carry any more traffic.Under a separate application, permission was granted to Courtlands House for the removal of fire escapes, replacement openings and internal alterations by the district head of planning under delegated powers.