Residents of West Hill are up in arms at proposals to demolish their village supermarket/Post Office, replacing it with homes and a smaller retail space.

Plans have been submitted to East Devon District Council for the building known as Potters Country Market, currently occupied by Morrisons with an in-store Post Office counter.

The applicant proposes to build six houses and three flats on the site, and states that ‘the proposal includes the provision of a retail unit that can be subdivided if required for flexibility and is a more suitable size to suit the requirements of the site’. The planning statement says the proposals ‘also provide some new public realm around the new retail provision to try to create a sense of place in the heart of the settlement’.

Residents of West Hill are worried about the future viability of the shop when it has to operate from a much smaller space, and are also concerned about the reduction in parking at the site. There is currently a large parking area; the plans indicate 14 parking spaces for the residential properties and nine for staff/customers of the retail units.

The district councillor for West Hill, Jess Bailey, is urging people to make their views known by submitting comments on their application to East Devon District Council’s website.

West Hill Parish Council is also holding a special meeting on February 20 where residents can share their opinions on the proposal with councillors.

Cllr Bailey said: “This awful application has sent shock waves through the community. It threatens the future of our shop and Post Office, slashing retail space by more than two thirds just so that the developer can attempt to squeeze in six houses and three flats onto the site. This is a key site at the heart of West Hill and that factor has been completely ignored by the developer.

"As far as I can see this application is all about maximising developer profit with absolutely no consideration for the community. I am a formal consultee on the application and I certainly will be objecting in the strongest terms. It is important that as many residents as possible submit comments to EDDC on the application too.”

The existing Potters Country Market building is listed as an Asset of Community Value. Objectors to the proposals say this ‘value’ will be diminished if the retail floor space is reduced.

The public meeting convened by West Hill Parish Council will take place in the village hall at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 22.