'Best of a bad job' Exeter homes approved

New houses on the outskirts of Exeter, set to rise from fields off Exwick Lane, have been described as “making the best of a bad job.”

City councillors had initially rejected the proposal by Tillian Homes to develop the site, but a government planning inspector overruled their decision in 2022. Now, the company has received the green light to commence construction.

Speaking after the city council’s planning committee examined the detailed plans, council leader Phil Bialyk (Lab, Exwick) commented: “We can stamp our feet and holler and shout, but this is it. We need homes.”

The development will consist of 80 homes divided into three distinct plots: one for detached homes, one for semi-detached and terraced houses, and one featuring villa-style properties. Of these, 28 homes will be classed as ‘affordable’ meeting the council’s target of 35 per cent affordable housing.

The homes, which will be built on a hillside, are expected to be visible across the city initially. However, the committee heard that trees planted as part of the project would help to mask the development over the next 15 years. Chris Marsh of Tillian Homes stated that the visual impact would begin to diminish “from day one” thanks to the planned landscaping.

Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) acknowledged the controversial nature of the project, saying: “Most of us did not want this in the first place, but I would like to congratulate our officers and the developers on coming to an acceptable development on this site.

“It’s a sad state of affairs that it went to appeal, but this is the best of a bad job.”