OTTERY finds out today if a controversial �2.5 million town-centre development will get the go-ahead.

OTTERY finds out today if a controversial �2.5 million town-centre development will get the go-ahead.

Last week the Herald reported how the bid to build townhouses, apartments, a shop and office in the grounds of the Marist Convent is hanging in the balance and planning chiefs want to see the site for themselves before deciding its fate.

An East Devon District Council (EDDC) planning inspection committee will visit the town today before giving its verdict this afternoon.

Scores of passionate residents joined town officials last Tuesday in urging EDDC's Development Management Committee members to reject the proposals, saying it would be a "scandal" to give them the go-ahead.

Experts have recommended the committee should approve the bid.

Developer Sea Valley Properties has argued it has "bent over backwards" to address concerns over the project.

- Keep posted to this website for the latest on the decision this afternoon.