Residents of West Hill came out in force to fight for the future of their village shop last Thursday (February 22).

The owner of the Potters Country Market site – currently occupied by a Morrisons supermarket and Post Office – wants to build nine homes and reduce the retail space by two thirds.

Morrisons has said it would not be viable to trade from such a small outlet – meaning the Post Office, which is part of the shop, would also be lost.

The nearby parking area, which is busy during school drop-off and pick-up times,  would also be greatly reduced.

Sidmouth Herald: The packed meeting at West Hill Parish CouncilMore than 140 people attended an Extraordinary Meeting hosted by the parish council on February 22 to give their views on the planning application, and over 170 objections have now been submitted to East Devon District Council’s planning portal.

At the meeting, residents unanimously opposed the scheme, and the parish council resolved to ‘strongly object’ to it.

A statement by the architects for the development, provided as part of the planning application, says the proposals ‘aim to create a sense of place in the centre of the village’, moving away from a car-dominated environment. They argue that the proposed six new houses and three flats will meet the need for smaller, less expensive properties that are suitable for young families.

But residents and councillors are warning that the shop and post office are vital to the village.

The MP for East Devon, Simon Jupp, attended the meeting and is supporting the objectors. He said: “This ridiculous planning application must be rejected by East Devon District Council.”

Cllr Jess Bailey, Independent District Councillor (West Hill and Aylesbeare), also attended the meeting and has added her voice to the objections.

She said: "The developer has had no regard for the residents of West Hill. It is quite obvious that they are only thinking about their profits and trying to squeeze in as many residential units as possible in order to maximise their return.

"The shop and Post Office are a lifeline for our community. Many residents do not drive and are not able to use internet shopping or banking. They rely on our shop and Post Office. These vital community assets must be protected."

Representatives from Avalon Planning, agents for the owner of the site, were at the meeting and said they had heard plenty of feedback to pass on to their client.

Comments on the planning application can be submitted to East Devon District Council's online planning portal until March 10.