THE ‘uniqueness of Exeter’ is at stake over plans to build homes in green fields on the skyline overlooking St Thomas, councillors have heard.

Members of the Exeter City Council planning committee voted unanimously to reject a plan from developer Waddeton Park for 65 homes off Nadder Park Road after hearing how the new homes would be visible right across the city.

Cllr Gemma Rolstone (Lab, Topsham) told the meeting: “This is definitely bigger than just the ward of St Thomas – it will have a detrimental impact on the feel of Exeter and its uniqueness as a city.”

More than 200 objections had been filed by local people before the meeting, even though the developer pledged high-quality houses, public open space and land for ‘biodiversity enhancements’.

Objectors expressed concerns around the environment and the principle of developing on green fields. One objector complained of potential ‘loss of sunsets across the west of the city’.

The Exeter Green Circle walking route runs alongside the site, and the report warned that development would change the character of the path.

Cllr Laura Wright (Lab, St Thomas) said the community’s objections could not be mistaken for a ‘not-in-my-backyard’ stance.

“The large majority of residents recognise the urgent need for more housing in Exeter, particularly the pressing demand for social and genuinely affordable homes,” she said. But, she added: “The proposal is out of character with our community, places undue pressure on already-stretched services, threatens our local environment and has proceeded with limited engagement with residents.

“Exeter deserves a development that enhances our city, not one that risks diminishing it.”

Nobody from Waddeton Park was present at the meeting to speak in favour of the homes scheme.

Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) said: “I find it somewhat odd that the developer is not here this evening, considering the weight of public opinion opposed to this. They’re not even prepared to put up a token case to support their application.”

Cllr Andy Ketchin (Green, Newtown and St Leonards) added: “I think this is the first time for me where I’ve not heard one good word about an application, least of all from the developer who chose for one reason or another not to attend.

“Perhaps they didn’t have an awful lot of positive things to say.”

Planning officers agreed that the homes would create ‘demonstrable and significant harm’ to the landscape setting of the city, the valley park and the Green Circle walking route.