MORE than 30 objections have been lodged against plans for almost 70 new homes on the outskirts of Exeter, amid claims Alphington is already struggling to cope with the scale of development taking place in the area.

Exeter Civic Society and Alphington Village Forum are among those opposing proposals for 67 homes on land off Chudleigh Road, close to the border with Teignbridge.

Objectors say Alphington has already seen substantial cumulative development, placing increasing pressure on roads and other infrastructure, while reducing the amount of open green space in the area.

They argue the latest scheme would amount to overdevelopment, resulting in the loss of one of the area's remaining areas of open land.

Concerns have also been raised about the proposed demolition of Silverlands, a historic building, which currently stands on the site.

The application, submitted by Edenstone Homes and registered with Exeter City Council under reference 26/1139/FUL, covers approximately two hectares of land.

The developer wants to demolish Silverlands and its outbuildings and replace them with 67 new homes.

Those objecting say the development would add to existing problems of traffic and highways, drainage, biodiversity and infrastructure.

Exeter City Council are expected to make a decision by Ocotber 29.

The proposed site itself currently consists of an agricultural field bordered by trees and hedgerows, together with the existing Silverlands property.

It lies entirely within Exeter City Council's administrative boundary, although its southern edge forms the boundary with Teignbridge District Council.

Teignbridge was consulted on the application but has raised no objection.

The land is, however, part of a wider area south of Alphington which has already been identified for housing; the Exeter Core Strategy 2012 allocates the area for around 500 dwellings.

Edenstone says its scheme would provide a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and houses of up to four bedrooms, with a minimum of 35 per cent affordable housing.

The plans also include a new access onto Chudleigh Road, pedestrian and cycle connections, open space, play facilities and sustainable drainage.

The developer has also proposed biodiversity measures, including a bat house and dark corridors.

In its planning statement, Edenstone argues that the scheme would deliver significant benefits and represents sustainable development on an allocated site.

‘Overall, it is considered that the proposed development represents sustainable development of an allocated site and would deliver a substantial number of social, economic and environmental benefits’, the statement says.

But opponents believe the principle of further development cannot be considered in isolation from the housing already built or being constructed around Alphington.

To view the planning documents in full, and to comment on the application, visit Exeter City Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/1139/FUL’ into the search-box.