Anger at plans for 700 homes in Exmouth

They're unhappy about proximity to heath

A gathering of residents braved soggy conditions to campaign against a potential 700-home development in East Devon.

A groundswell of opposition has been brewing against a site near St John’s, on the outskirts of Exmouth, that is being proposed as a suitable location for up to 700 homes.

Campaigners have raised a host of concerns, which range from questions about how the site was chosen in the first place, as well as its proximity to the pebblebed heaths, which have a protected designation aimed at helping preserve them.

The St John’s site has been identified as part of East Devon District Council’s draft local plan, the creation of which has been a major and intense process.

The latest iteration of the draft local plan is out for public consultation until Monday (26 January), and the document’s key purpose is to find sites in East Devon that can accommodate new homes between now and 2042.

Government targets mean the council has to build around 21,000 in that timeframe.

The St John’s site, officially known as Exmo_20 in the draft local plan, would provide a significant number of homes towards that target, and without it, other locations would have to be found.

A Facebook group named ‘Stop Exmo.20, Exmouth’s supersized development’ has been pushing for residents to lodge objections to the proposed site in the hope that it will either be significantly altered, removed from the plan, or that the government planning inspector that has to approve the plan will question its inclusion.

The site is also close to Budleigh Salterton, and many objectors live there and are worried about the impact on their town.

Councillor Melanie Martin (Independent, Budleigh and Raleigh), said she believed around 300 people in total turned out to make their views against the proposed site heard.

“It was an amazing event,” she said.

Campaigner Thomas Shillitoe, who has attended many East Devon District Council meetings in person to protest against the site, added: “It was a great turn out considering it wasn’t the best of days.”

Residents can comment on East Devon’s draft local plan via its website, and have until midday on Monday 26 January to do so.

The council has been publicising the consultation on the plan on its social media pages.

Councillor Todd Olive, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for place, infrastructure and strategic planning, said: “Both the local plan and our emerging heritage strategy will play an important role in shaping East Devon’s future.

“The local plan sets out how growth and development could be managed, while the heritage strategy recognises the district’s distinct history, identity and places.  

“We want to hear from residents, businesses, community groups and partners before the consultations close, so we can ensure decisions are informed by a wide range of views. If you haven’t responded yet, please do take part before 26 January.”