King Alfred Way proposal debate is postponed

A controversial planning application at Newton Poppleford has been taken off the agenda of an East Devon District Council planning meeting today (Tuesday) at the eleventh hour due to an intervention by Natural England.

The Government’s official adviser on wildlife and conservation is one of several “statutory consultees” who were asked to comment on Clinton Devon estates’ proposal for up to 40 homes plus doctors’ surgery off King Alfred Way, Newton Poppleford.

Their comments had not been received when the formal deadline passed several weeks ago, but finally arrived today (Monday). Such is the weight attached to Natural England’s views that EDDC had no option but to postpone the item so that their comments could be considered and built into the recommendation to the Development Management Committee (DMC).

Councillor Mrs Helen Parr, Chairman of East Devon’s DMC, commented: “It’s a pity that these comments were delayed to the extent that we were about to meet to decide the application, but the democratic process dictates that we should consider all relevant views.

“Officers will now consider the comments made by Natural England and will assess what, if any, impact this will have on the recommendation to DMC. The application will be debated by committee at the first available opportunity, hopefully in September”.