OUTLINE planning permission has been granted for nine new homes on the land to the north of Wessex Close.
However, the city's planning committee heard that the developer, if the scheme is to go ahead, would have to negotiate access with the Ministry of Defence as it leases what are private roads into the site.
The scheme had received 26 objections and a resident told the planning committee that there had been "inadequate notice"; an earlier scheme for 15 homes on the site had been withdrawn and replaced with one for nine but the city council's planning website continued to show that the scheme had been withdrawn.
Committee member Cllr Kevin Mitchell said: "I am a little bit concerned that this is encroaching on the Topsham gap – the distinction between Exeter and Topsham should be maintained.
"However, as we have already granted planning permission for homes for a neighbouring site it is difficult to refuse."
The committee approved the proposed scheme which will see the main trees, which are the subjects of a group Tree Preservation Order, retained.
Planning permission has also been granted for up to 63 new homes at Bricknells Bungalow, off Old Rydon Lane.
The city's planning committee had earlier deferred a decision to allow members to undertake a site visit because of concerns about road safety raised by residents.
The committee was told that narrowing the road further by the introduction of a footpath would slow speeds but councillor Rob Newby, a member of the committee, said he thought the fact the road was well used by walkers and cyclists would go out the window if the scheme went ahead.
