A further 201 homes will be built on the outskirts of Dawlish after Teignbridge councillors approved an application despite objections from Dawlish Town Council.

The development includes plans for land at Secmaton Farm, part of the town’s north-west ‘DA2’ urban extension for at least 860 homes.

It is set to include 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 because it didn’t provide enough affordable housing or custom build plots. This new application has been approved despite providing no custom-build plots and just 13 per cent affordable housing.

Dawlish Town Council objects to the plan, with concerns including a lack of clarity on water drainage and sewerage capacity, insufficient community infrastructure and too little affordable housing, thus failing to meet the district council’s 25 per cent target.

Councillors assessing the application also expressed concerns. Cllr Linda Petherick outlined how local GP surgeries, including Barton, are running at more than capacity and have no space for new patients.

The development will include a new link road which was approved by the county council last month, between Elm Grove Road and the A379 Exeter Road. A bridge over Shutterton Brook is also due to be built.

Teignbridge has secured £4.9 million from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund towards the scheme, 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 issues in Dawlish, with construction vehicles relying on Elm Grove Road which runs through the heart of the town.

The new road will also support bus services, cycle lanes and footpaths. A report about the development says: “The route will enable and promote sustainable movement for pedestrians, cyclists and bus services, and allows the efficient distribution of traffic.”

The application was approved with five votes in support, one against and four abstentions.