Exmouth could expand again

Planners recommend 350 new homes on greenfield land off Dinan Way

Exmouth might get another 350 homes and a new primary school on the edge of the town. Planners are recommending approval for a scheme to build on Goodmores Farm (pictured) off Dinan Way. Their suggestion will be put to East Devon's development management committee today, but it's expected to be a lively session. Considerable concerns have been raised by Exmouth and Lympstone councils, local ward councillors, Devon County Council and some residents. 

The developer, Eagle Investments, will stump up £2 million towards infrastructure, including the school but some people argue Exmouth doesn't need another primary school and, even if it does, the proposed one could be in the wrong place. Dinan Way will also need to be extended, costing another £2.5 million. 

Eagle says it can't afford to pay for all infrastructure needed for the scheme, but is paying the full amount it has to under the Community Infrastructure Levy. Planners suggest the rest of the money will have to come from cash they get from other schemes. The government's position is that councils must compromise to make such developments viable. 

Only 18 homes will be classed as "affordable". That's well under 25 per cent (88 homes in this scheme) normally required too. As well as the new homes and primary school, some land will be set aside for commercial and employment use, and for public space.

East Devon councillors meet today to thrash this one out.