Hundreds of objections see housing plans rejected
Hundreds of objections see housing plans rejected
Miles Davis - Devon political reporterWed, May 13, 2026 at 8:41 AM UTC
0
More than 500 people objected to plans to build 140 homes on fields on the edge of Ottery St Mary
Plans for a major housing development on the edge of a Devon town have been thrown out after hundreds of objections.
Almost 600 people objected to the plans for 140 homes on the boundary of Ottery St Mary.
About 50 members of the public went to the planning meeting at East Devon District Council on Tuesday and expressed concerns ranging from traffic congestion to impact on the sewage system and the loss of agricultural land.
A council report said there was a severe housing land supply shortage but councillors rejected the plans despite warnings of a possible appeal against the decision.
More news stories for Devon
Listen to the latest news for Devon
The East Devon District Council planning officer's report recommended approval of the scheme put forward by Landra Developments Ltd.
It said there was a "significant housing shortfall" in the area and said 56 affordable homes promised as part of the scheme provided a "very substantial social benefit".
In planning policy affordable homes refer to properties being made available to buy at about 80% of the market value.
Advertisement
The Independent councillor for Ottery St Mary, Jess Bailey, told the meeting she was "really surprised" the project had been recommended for approval.
She said her primary concerns were about poor transport links, worse traffic congestion and the impact on the sewage system.
The reasons given for refusal by councillors were the impact on the landscape, the location of strategic development and the loss of high quality agricultural land.
The council's solicitor, Damian Hunter, told councillors: "The likelihood is there will be an appeal."
He said he had "concerns these reasons for refusal won't stand up".
Philip Rawle, managing director of Landra Developments Ltd, said: "We're obviously disappointed with the result and will be considering our position going forward."
Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.
Officials back 450 homes after local opposition
Related internet links -
East Devon District Council
Source: “AOL Money”
