Would it benefit Exmouth people if several thousand houses were added around the outskirts of the town? It seems to be agreed that Exmouth is seriously short of affordable housing, mainly for first-time buyers and young families.

Would it benefit Exmouth people if several thousand houses were added around the outskirts of the town?

It seems to be agreed that Exmouth is seriously short of affordable housing, mainly for first-time buyers and young families.

Wouldn't the 'affordable' demand be best met on sites near public facilities and transport choices? The two Jewson's sites would be a start: the business relocated to the proposed Liverton Business Park extension.

The district council is asking for our opinions, as it is bound to do. Central Government demands that East Devon District Council, as housing authority, makes sites available - within the district - not necessarily within Exmouth.

The cheapest option for a housing authority is to add to existing population centres across the district - if that authority is not also the one that has to provide the funds for schools, health centres, roads etc. These facilities are the responsibility of Devon County Council (DCC). A guarantee of DCC funding to match the housing increase is not being mentioned by EDDC - or DCC.

(DCC cannot even bring itself to complete the northern end of Dinan Way. Would they match the extra housing with two new primary schools, a new secondary school, an additional large health centre etc? These are just some of the capital items already over-stretched.)

'Peter' (EDDC) doesn't seem to talk to 'Paul' (DCC). We are stuck with this inane local government structure. Don't let Exmouth fall through the gap.

Will readers please write to EDDC and our town hall, asking for some proper comprehensive planning which respects Exmouth's hard-won integrity - before they consider adding to the unplanned sprawl.

Nic Pawson,

1 Greenacre, 5 Isca Road, Exmouth.