Outrage as 700-home site approved

Residents and campaigners in Exmouth reacted angrily after councillors approved the allocation of land at St John’s for 700 new homes, despite more than 1,100 objections.

The controversial site borders the internationally important Pebblebed Heaths and the Grade II* listed St John in the Wilderness Church. Concerns were raised by residents, local councillors, and national bodies including the RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and Historic England.

Cllr Brian Bailey (Conservative, Exmouth Littleham) called the plan “unsustainable”, while Cllr Nick Hookway (Liberal Democrat, Exmouth Littleham) said access posed “very real concerns”. Resident John Hamill accused the strategic planning committee of bowing to “fear of government quotas rather than what’s right for residents”, while others warned of traffic dangers and environmental damage.

Committee chair Cllr Todd Olive (Liberal Democrat, Whimple and Rockbeare) defended the decision, arguing that concentrating development on a single site helps deliver the infrastructure needed and supports the district’s housing targets. He added there was also a “moral imperative” to provide homes for young people in East Devon.

Nine councillors voted in favour of allocating the land, with one against and two abstentions. Any detailed housing scheme would still need planning approval.