Thousands object to new town

The proposed site at Broadclyst covers 300 acres

More than 15,000 people have raised objections to the building of a controversial new town in east Devon.

The objections are against plans to use a green-field site at Broadclyst, four miles from Exeter.

The site covers 300 acres, including 20 acres of wetlands run by the Devon County Wildlife Trust.

The plans for 2,900 new homes, which were to be completed by 2011, were put forward to solve the county's deepening housing crisis.

Overwhelming response

People had until 15 February to object and about 39,000 questionnaires were sent out.

The response has been so overwhelming, it is only now the number of individual objectors has been released.

The local authority, East Devon District Council, said it would have to come up with alternatives and consult the public again.

District councillor Ruth Burrows, the campaign leader against the new town, said the protest voice really made a difference.

Public inquiry

She said: "I believe our campaign can win.

"We live in a democratic country and no authority at whatever level should ignore 15,000 people objecting in the manner that they do.

"There is a desperate need for affordable housing in the South West.

"It needs to be spread around the area, not concentrated in one place.

Fierce opposition

The new town plans are now likely to go to a public inquiry.

The Broadclyst new town is one of two new towns planned for the county.

The other one is in the South Hams.

Both have provoked fierce opposition from local people.