Sidmouth Victoria Hospital bosses have altered its proposed access after residents resisted plans to remove three on-street parking spaces.

The developers had wanted to create a new exit, but are now applying to retain the combined way in and out as they look to install a gas bottle store.

They last year proposed redesigning the layout to remove the ‘one way in, one way out’ layout they said was a ‘constant cause for double parking, blockages and traffic congestion’.

A new exit onto Blackmore View would have required the loss of three parking spaces on the road, although they would have been relocated to the hospital car park.

But nearby residents were vocal about the need to retain all town centre parking and highways chiefs refused to support the application.

The new plans remove the need for a new access point and the three spaces will be preserved.

They will be considered by Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon District Council.