A WEBSITE has been launched giving details about proposals for 150 houses on the outskirts of Exmouth.
Via the site, www.MarleyRoadHomes.co.uk, the landowners behind the application wanted to share as much information as they can about their plans, which would involve the creation of 1.75 hectares of parkland, off Higher Marley Road.
This month, amid a raft of objections from the public, members of Exmouth Town Council's planning committee unanimously opposed the proposals.
Members of a campaign group which was formed to oppose the development of fields between Higher Marley Road, Hulham Road and Dinan Way, have branded the application a "joke" because of its "lack of sustainability".
The scheme, submitted by P Lee and T Davey, would include up to 40 per cent affordable housing.
Through their application, the landowners say they are seeking to address the "identified shortage of land for new homes in East Devon" which "requires additional land to be brought forward".
The applicants concede that the land has not been identified in East Devon District Council's emerging Local Plan as a development site. However they believe their offer could help address the council's inability to prove it has enough land to satisfy likely housing demand in the coming years.
The applicants cite these factors as "benefits", in addition to the financial contribution towards improving local infrastructure and services, that a developer would be required to make under a Section 106 agreement.
Speaking on behalf of the local landowners, Nick Webb of Meeting Place Communications, said: "We are aware that people have questions and some concerns about the planning application and we thought it important to provide clear information as to what is being proposed and how our application fits into the locally-led planning process.
"East Devon District Council has identified a shortage of land for new homes and this site has been brought forward to help meet that need.
"As with all applications the decision will be for your local representatives to make.
"Every planning application is sensitive, and in this instance it is really important that the proposal respects the special rural edge of Exmouth which has attracted people for generations. With this in mind the plans have evolved to show a very green, sustainable development."
He said features of the development would include new parkland, retaining the majority of existing trees and planting more native species, creating bat roosting and bird nesting sites, and seeking to ensure the green aspect of the site will be maintained for the neighbouring properties.
"Rigorous technical studies have taken place to ensure that the important matters such as drainage capacity are thoroughly considered with plans for mitigation included where need be," Mr Webb added.
"Across East Devon there is a shortfall of new homes for those who work locally or who want to stay in the town they grew up in. "We believe this is a good location to help respond to that need."
Campaigners' concerns include that the access to the development is unsafe, that it will impact negatively on the already at-capacity health services and schools, and its impact on the existing drainage network.
The impact of the development on Exmouth's already clogged commuter belt has also been highlighted as a major issue.
