East Devon Planning Committee Approves 75 Homes Despite Sewer Capacity Concerns

A proposed development of up to 75 new homes on Hulham Road, Exmouth, has been approved at outline stage despite ongoing concerns about the local sewer system's capacity to handle additional foul water and storm overflow. South West Water reassured the East Devon planning committee that it conducted assessments indicating the sewage network should cope, but councillors expressed skepticism, citing past sewage spills and the limited scope of the assessment covering only a small portion of the network. Some councillors also raised issues regarding the low proportion of affordable housing proposed and the potential impact on wildlife and ancient trees near the site, which lies outside the built-up area boundary. Councillor Geoff Jung highlighted the need for a Grampian order to ensure no homes are occupied until the sewer system's capacity is verified to meet Environment Agency standards, reflecting continued environmental and infrastructure concerns. Despite these objections, the planning committee moved forward with approval, with conditions likely attached to address some of the raised issues. The debate underscores ongoing local tensions between development needs and infrastructure sufficiency in Exmouth.