Seaton Town Council objects to 'green wedge' development after initially offering support

Seaton Town Council has reversed its initial support for a proposed development of 130 houses on the 'green wedge' between Seaton and Colyford. 

In February, Seaton Town Council's Planning Committee gave its to the Baker Estates application for 130 houses to the east of Harepath Road, along with a new football pitch, parking and welfare facilities.

The committee gave its backing on the grounds that it would provide affordable housing and employment opportunities for local people, would help to develop Seaton Football Club with a second pitch, and could be an opportunity to improve flood resilience.

However, the council did say it had "serious concerns" about the proposed access road exiting the site onto Colyford Road and requested that Devon County Council reduce the 60mph speed limit on this section of the road and consider a pedestrian crossing.

After an outpouring of local objection and concerns over flood risk, the application was reconsidered at Seaton Town Council's full council meeting earlier this month, and the authority has now objected to the plans. 

More than 150 residents attended a recent public meeting to discuss the proposed development, resulting in near unanimous objection by show of hands. 

Town and district councillor Marcus Hartnell initially gave his support to the development due to the provision of affordable housing and sporting facilities, but after listening to the concerns of residents at the meeting and receiving further information from the Environment Agency regarding flood risk, has said he wanted to give the matter further consideration.

He called for the plans to be discussed again at the March meeting of Seaton Town Council, where the made a u-turn on the Planning Committee's previous recommendation, and agreed to opposed the application in light of the Environment Agency's comments. 

Those opposing the plans say it is "crucial" to preserve the green wedge to prevent the coalescence of Seaton and Colyford. 

They have also raised concerns over flood risk, increased traffic congestion on Colyford Road, the dangerous junction with the A3052 at Colyford, and damage to the rural aspect of Seaton.

The planning application has received more than 200 comments from the public, largely objections. The full application can be found on the East Devon District Council planning website by searching application number 22/2781/MOUT. 

You can also find out more about the proposals at https://www.bakerestatesconsultation.co.uk/land-east-west-of-harepath-road-seaton