Campaigners protest against plans for 700 homes

About 100 people have campaigned against plans for 700 homes to be built near protected areas of heathland.

The protest in Budleigh Salterton was against proposals, named Exmo 20, which have been included in the draft East Devon Local Plan.

The land earmarked for the development is near Woodbury Common and Pebblebed Heaths. Campaigners said it was the wrong place for large scale building.

Councillor Todd Olive, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said the council had worked hard to exhaust all realistic alternative sites.

He said: "It is unfortunate that the UK government's housing targets are forcing the council to allocate sites close to sensitive locations.

"We have worked hard to exhaust all realistic alternative sites, but ultimately our detailed assessment of all options shows that this is the least harmful way.

"A 400m natural buffer between the new homes and the heaths is planned to protect this environmentally important European designated area, as well as a sensitively designed access to the B3179 to protect the character of the area and the landscape."

Independent councillor, Melanie Martin, said: "This is a fantastic turnout considering the weather is so bad.

"It just goes to show how strongly people feel about this development of 700 houses."

Budleigh Salterton resident Chrissy Howick said: "Once you start building and you have the accidents on the road, wildlife gone, the agricultural land gone, you can't stop that.

"That's then happened and gone - I think more consideration is needed for sites like this.

"It can't just be a tick-box site for mass housing as there has been limits imposed."

Olive said: "This site is on the edge of our biggest town, close to jobs, services, and facilities, and because of its size means we have the opportunity to require on-site provision of infrastructure and services.

"This was one of the main reasons that councillors, including members representing Exmouth, originally voted to include the site in the Local Plan".

"Engaging and listening to the views of residents is important to us, and this feedback is considered at length through our Strategic Planning Committee. Residents' feedback has helped shape this plan, which we believe best meets local housing needs".

He encouraged residents to continue to share their feedback in the latest stage of consultation, which is open until 26 January.

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