Councillors have unanimously approved ‘the best possible’ redevelopment of the remaining undeveloped part of the former Rolle College site.

Large parts of the site, in Douglas Avenue, have already been transformed into the new home for the Exeter Deaf Academy.

But developer Acorn Property Group had sought planning permission for the demolition of a number of still vacant buildings on the former Plymouth University site and for the residential re-development of the site to provide 29 new homes and refurbishment of the grade II listed Eldin House to create four apartments.

East Devon District Council’s planning committee unanimously supported the redevelopment scheme that were ‘a well-designed and well thought out residential scheme that would be positively contribute to the character and appearance of the area’.

Cllr Mike Howe said: “This brings the building back into use.

“Yes, we lose some trees, but they are not the best quality trees, and if the officers thought we were losing good quality trees they would be screaming about it. T

“his is far in advance of a lot of other developments, so I am happy to support this, and I cannot see how they could design it any better.”

Cllr Olly Davey added: “It is a shame to lose the trees but if the officers feel the best we will get, I am happy to accept their view.

“This is the best quality we will get in the same within the constraints.”

Cllr Philip Skinner added: “This is a scheme that works for Exmouth and the right density of housing in the right place.”

The scheme will see the demolition of existing buildings for a residential development of 33 new homes, in a mix of 10 house and 19 apartments, and the conversion and refurbishment of Eldin House to create four apartments.

Speaking after the meeting, Ed Lewis, Regional Director of Acorn’s Exeter Region said: “We have worked in close collaboration with a vast number of stakeholders including ward members, tree, landscape, conservation and planning and urban design officers, TARA and Exmouth Town Council.

“After listening to the feedback, we worked with our consultant team to make changes to the planning application and this has, resulted in a scheme that everyone is proud of.”