Up to 80 houses on the edge of Exeter turned down again
There are concerns that it would impact the landscape and character of the area
Plans to build up to 80 homes on the edge of Exeter have again been refused because of concerns they would impact the landscape and character of the area.
The proposal for Exwick on the western edge of the city, between Redhills and Exwick Lane, was turned down at a planning committee in July. A resubmitted application has now also been rejected by planning officers.
The outline plan was for up to 80 homes – 35 per cent of which would be affordable – which would have included two play areas, a new footway and the removal of a large section of hedgerow at the front of Redhills to allow for highway access.
A letter explaining the city council’s rejection said the development would have a “significant impact on the rural character of the area and landscape setting of the city,” while a new access road and other infrastructure would “detract from the rural approach to the city from the west”.
It added: "Insufficient ecological mitigation justification has been submitted to outweigh the significant harm to the wildlife and biodiversity as a result of the loss of a substantial section of hedgebank fronting onto Redhills and Exwick Lane."
At the previous meeting in July, an officers’ report said that despite Exeter not having a five-year land supply and the presumption therefore being in favour of sustainable development, the scheme should be refused. Councillors backed that recommendation.
In a supporting document as part of its application, ALD Development claimed: "The site is in a sustainable location and the proposed development would help to contribute to growth in Exeter by boosting the supply of housing in the local area.
"The proposed development will retain the most significant trees and hedges and will seek to enhance them through additional native species planting, providing opportunities to increase the biodiversity interest of the site … In summary, the proposals can be considered sustainable development."
However, the city council again ruled against the plan, deciding not to bring it back to a committee after its previous unanimous verdict in July.
Under planning rules, ALD Development has up to six months to appeal, and the resubmitted application indicates they have done that. It is not known when a ruling on any appeal will be made.