CONTROVERSIAL plans to build three luxury homes on a dedicated green space in Exeter have been temporarily withdrawn.
The site at Great Woodcote Park, between Topsham Road and the golf and country club, is treasured by residents living nearby who have no banded together to stop the plan from developer Persimmon going ahead.
Persimmon want to build one four-bedroomed and two five-bedroomed homes – each with double garages and space for two more cars – on the site which was designated green space.
Now local city councillor Rob Newby says he has been told by Persimmon managing director Simon Perks that the plan will be withdrawn for a consultation period during which residents will be able to express their views.
Cllr Newby said: "This does not mean the plan has been completely withdrawn and it is still there but Persimmon say they want feedback from residents.
"I will be contacting Mr Perks to ensure that no works of any kind start beforehand..
"I am very sympathetic towards the residents who bought their homes on the understanding that this area would remain a green space."
Residents believe the three homes, which may well sell for more than £500,000 apiece, are being built to offset money Persimmon paid to the nearby Exeter Golf and Country Club to move three holes following a long dispute over the threat of errant golf balls.
Amanda May, 43, one of the leading campaigners against the plan said: "It is really the only open green and natural area here.
"It was designated an open play area and, with a two-year-old daughter, was one of the reasons I bought my home here. My neighbour has two little girls and she bought her house for the same reason."
Exeter Golf and Country Club secured funding from Charles Church, part of the Persimmon Group, towards the redesign of its golf course.
The deal came after two years of negotiations between the club and housebuilder. The redesign of the golf course overcame the problem by repositioning three holes of the 18-hole course.
Cllr Newby said: "Charles Church behaved sympathically towards the Golf and Country Club and the club did the right thing. I have no argument with that - but it is totally separate matter
"The question is. Do they really need do this on this site. Cannot they build these home somewhere else, not on this green space?"
