A new service station planned for the M5 has failed to gain support because it would be a “disaster” for a nearby village, Land between Poltimore and the village of Broadclyst had been identified as a potential site for a motorway services area.
Use of the land was debated by East Devon District Council’s strategic planning committee this week. It is trying to identify sites for employment developments across the district. But strong public opposition and a lack of backing from councillors means it is unlikely to go ahead, as DevonLive reports.
The council is updating its local plan, which will list land it believes are suitable for housing or employment schemes. Although the site between Poltimore and Broadclyst had been put forward, planning officers chose not to recommend for it be allocated as employment land, and the strategic planning committee agreed.
Cllr Geoff Jung (Liberal Democrat, Woodbury and Lympstone) said it would be a “disaster” for Broadclyst. Angie Hurran, clerk for Broadclyst Parish Council, which is one of the objectors to the proposal, said: “We oppose the allocation of this site for a service station as it would cause significant harm to the village’s heritage and surrounding landscape.
“It would impact the nearby Killerton Estate, too, as a recent setting survey emphasised the importance of preserving the landscape views from the National Trust property. The proposed development would hamper these views, undermining the estate’s visual and heritage integrity.”
The committee voted to support the officers’ recommendation. A report prepared by the council said: “At the present time, a need for a motorway services has not been confirmed. There is no other justification for development in this location. However, if a services is required in future, then this is one of the very few suitable locations and the position will be reconsidered.”