AN old bus station will be the site of a block of 23 new social rented homes in Newton Abbot after councillors voted to approve plans. 

But the planned red, green and grey colour scheme for cladding on the two and three storey block raised eyebrows among members of Teignbridge Council’s planning committee.

Cllr Alex Hall described part of it as like a ‘giant brown turd’ while others were equally concerned over the ‘bright and garish’ appearance. 

But plans for the council-owned land in Kingsteignton Road, currently used for parking, were given the go-ahead to provide badly-needed social accommodation. 

Ward member Cllr Jackie Hook said there were ‘real positives’ and while it was a ‘substantial’ building, it was well thought out and would provide a visual improvement. 

She said: ‘Providing social rented accommodation is to be celebrated and this is particularly targeted at those struggling to find appropriate accommodation.’

She suggested the colour scheme could be ‘toned down’.

Cllr Andrew MacGregor described it as ugly with the wrong colour scheme.

Cllr Suzanne Sanders said she was pleased the council was setting a ‘high bar’ by providing social housing with low energy and maintenance costs. 

She said: ‘This is much-needed, in a sensible location.’

The development of 13 one bed and 10 two bed flats will include wheelchair accessible accommodation. 

It is part of Teignbridge 100’ the council’s own homebuilding programme.

Highest demand is for one and two-bedroomed properties, which is how the scheme is designed.

A percentage of the apartments will be offered to existing social housing tenants who want to downsize and free up much-needed larger family homes with priority to applicants with a connection to Newton Abbot.

Chairman Cllr Colin Parker said the officer report summed it up saying: ‘Any limited harm would be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the benefits.’

There were concerns over loss of parking which currently serves staff at the nearby GP practice but officers said allocated parking would be provided elsewhere. 

Newton Abbot Civic Society had objected to the height and ‘gaudy’ colour scheme. 

The specific colour palette will be addressed through conditions on the planning approval.