SIDMOUTH town planners last night (Wednesday) backed a housing association s project to build 133 homes near Howarth Close, Higher Woolbrook, but want the developers to heed residents complaints over recreation provision.

SIDMOUTH town planners last night (Wednesday) backed a housing association's project to build 133 homes near Howarth Close, Higher Woolbrook, but want the developers to heed residents' complaints over recreation provision.

Parents want to save an area used for football by local youngsters and 102 have petitioned East Devon District Council, who will determine the application.

At last night's town council planning meeting, councillors agreed any recreational provision should be more centrally placed in the development, of which 60 percent is affordable housing.

In a letter to the committee, council chairman Councillor Peter Sullivan, wrote: "This is a local development of over 100 much needed properties in an area designated for development for many years.

"With a split scheme of approximately one third of each, rented, part owned, and fully owned also up to 60% of these properties should be classed as "affordable".

"This should help in some ways to relieve the situation of local people not being able to afford to live in the local area (although not fully).

"I have no problem with the scheme in general, having a mix of different sized/type properties located within the scheme, the properties will be built to the latest environmental standards this includes the landscaping and the provision of a pond area for run of water is a very good idea, there is adequate parking for residents and cycle accommodation provided.

"Whilst I would support this scheme in principle I would encourage EDDC planners and the developers to have further discussions regarding the lack of parking for visitors and service vehicles, increasing the number of cycle parking and tracks, and look again at the recreational facilities to try and retain some areas that are already in use i.e. the area near to Bakers Close used for football etc."

*See tomorrow's Sidmouth Herald for full story.