PLANS for a development of 40 houses have been approved for Newton Poppleford.
The planning application, submitted by landowner Clinton Devon Estates for the plot off King Alfred Way, has been hugely contentious with many of residents opposing the plans.
Despite there being around 370 objections from residents, council planners had recommended pushing ahead with the scheme which was voted through with unanimous support by councillors on East Devon District Council's Development Management Committee.
Residents previously criticised members of the parish council who had talks with Clinton Devon Estates and East Devon District Council officers without public consultation prior to landowners being invited to come forward as part of the council's Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.
In the district council's emerging Local Plan which sets out where around 15,000 houses could be built across the district up to 2026, Newton Poppleford is allocated 40 houses so the application fulfils the quota.
However, another application for 46 homes for land off Badger Close, has also been submitted and could be voted through as well, while the Local Plan is not in place.
