A FURTHER 201 homes will be built on the outskirts of Dawlish if councillors approve plans next week.

Teignbridge District Council’s planning committee will consider the application for land at Secmaton Farm, part of the town’s north-west ‘DA2’ urban extension for at least 860 homes.

The application, by Mr A, Mr P and Mr J Jeffery, proposes 141 open market homes, 33 open market retirement properties (including 11 bungalows that will be targeted at older people) and 27 ‘affordable’ homes – classed as up to 80 per cent of market rates.

A previous application for the site was refused in 2020 due to it failing to provide enough affordable housing and custom build plots.

But while this application provides no custom-built plots and just 13 per cent affordable housing, officers are this time recommending conditional approval.

Their report states: ‘Weight can be given to the scheme’s delivery of much needed affordable disabled bungalows as well as meeting the recognised need for housing for older people.

‘The proposal would also deliver a significant amount of [green infrastructure], [public open space] and play provision including the delivery of allotments and a community orchard,’ officers conclude.

However, Dawlish Town Council objects to the plan, with its concerns including a lack of clarity on water drainage and sewerage capacity, a lack of community infrastructure and a low level of affordable housing which fails to meet the district council’s 25 per cent target.

The urban extension will include a new link road, approved by the county council last month, to be built between Elm Grove Road and the A379 Exeter Road.

Teignbridge has secured £4.9 million from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund towards the scheme, which includes a bridge over Shutterton Brook.

The remaining £1.3 million is expected to come from developer contributions.

Councillors previously heard how the lack of a link road during the construction of other homes nearby had caused ‘many issues’ in Dawlish, as works vehicles have had to rely on Elm Grove Road which runs through the heart of the town.

The new road will also support bus services, cycle lanes and footpaths, with a report stating: ‘The route will enable and promote sustainable movement for pedestrians, cyclists and bus services, and allows the efficient distribution of traffic.’

The planning committee will vote on the housing application on Tuesday, November 22.