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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans to build 140 homes on farmland in Ottery St Mary are facing mounting opposition over fears the development will overburden local services and add to traffic congestion.
The developer, Landra Developments, wants to build the homes at Gerway Farm, with half designated as affordable housing.
According to the company, the scheme would safeguard about half the site – some 3.5 hectares – as open space, with new tree planting, ‘ecology corridors’ and natural drainage features to boost biodiversity and manage flood risk.
The plans are undergoing a public consultation period, but many residents have already expressed their vehement opposition to East Devon District Council (EDDC).
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Scepticism over plans for up to 140 homes in Ottery St Mary
Peter Wright, a member of the Gerway Farm Action Group, said the area lacked the necessary infrastructure - including sewerage - to accommodate such a large-scale scheme.
He said: “The local sewage works are currently running over capacity. The local storm overflow adjacent to this site activated 13 times in 2024 compared to a permitted level of three, and the River Otter - as everybody knows - is highly contaminated with phosphates.
“There is currently no need for new houses in Ottery. Between 2010 and 2023 Ottery St Mary has provided 594 new homes against the target in the current plan of 497, so we feel that we are more than contributing to the local area.”
Mr Wright said traffic congestion would be a problem as potential residents would have to commute by car to either Exeter or Honiton for work.
He also claimed the project had not been included in the local plan and went against the government’s stated aim of encouraging sustainable development.
In addition, he complained that residents have not been given sufficient time to review the proposals.
Resident John Collman echoed Mr Wright’s views, saying the development was “wholly inappropriate for this location”.
He said: “Traffic on this road is already too much, causing jams and backlogs. The infrastructure of roads let alone Drs (sic) surgeries and schools (are) beyond their limits and additional housing cannot be serviced in this area of East Devon.
“This is currently a green field site and is therefore inappropriate for new housing. We have enough new housing with Cranbrook and the new sites at Farringdon where appropriate facilities and structures will be in place to serve the new houses.”
Christopher Durfy simply added: “Our schools are full. Our surgery is oversubscribed. Our roads are clogged and full of potholes. Our waste and sewage are already destroying our lovely river. No to more homes in Ottery without massive infrastructure improvements. Let's not make it worse for everyone!”
In an added twist, there was a discrepancy in the public consultation deadline, with residents receiving written notifications of a December 31 cut-off date, contrary to the January 9 date as stated by EDDC.
As the paper went to press, EDDC said: "The longer date will apply – so comments will be accepted until 9 January. This will also give our team time to put up the physical signs and ensure stakeholders have a chance to see them and respond within a reasonable timeframe."
To comment on the proposals, residents can visit the EDDC online portal here (Plan reference: 25/2468/MOUT)
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