'What comes first the improved sewage infrastructure or the requirement to build more housing?'
Councillors say a decision to ensure a Devon town's sewers can cope with new housing should now be the norm
Last updated 16th Jul 2025
A controversial Devon housing estate was today approved - but only if it can be demonstrated that the local sewers will cope in what campaigners say could become a national example.
A 'Grampian order' is used to compel a developer to ensure certain conditions are fulfilled before any homes are developed - and was issued today over concerns about the sewers under plans for 75 homes on the edge of Exmouth.
The chair of today's planning meeting, Olly Davey, reflected: "South West Water always say they have enough capacity - as long as it doesn't rain."
Ward councillor Geoff Jung, who is also the portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, today told the committee there was still 'confusion' about the likely impacts of sewage infrastructure in the town - and more clarification was still needed.
He reflected to the committee: "What comes first the improved sewage infrastructure or the requirement to build more housing?"
The 75-home development by Eagle Investments was submitted for land near Kings Garden and Leisure on Hulham Road - near to the existing Goodmores housing development, with the applicant telling the committee things like access to bus routes and the rest of the estate would be ensured.
A detailed planning report can be found here, which says: "This application is before Members because it represents a departure from the adopted Local Plan and a contrary view has been expressed by the Town Council."
Woodbury and Lympstone councillor Jung said in a detailed submission: "There are a number of concerns especially loss of important habitat, bio diversity, surface water management and sewage capacity which will need to be covered satisfactorily to the specific consultees.
"However, I am most concerned that South West Water in February claimed that 'there may be need to carry out further assessment on the waste network. Initial assessments suggest possible need for surface water separation further downstream'."
Currently 1,000 residents and businesses in Exmouth are joining a first-of-its kind legal challenge against pollution incidents in the town - as South West Water says it's investing £38 in the town's infrastructure.
Councillor Geoff Jung, cited the national TV coverage of sewage issues in Exmouth - and its impact on the town and said 'the waste water system in this area still needs investment' and the planned completion date for South West Water's work is four-and-a-half years away - with further work still then planned to begin.
Cllr Mike Howe voiced concerns about the council's 'lack of trust' in the water and the recent Ofwat agreement for £24 million after finding evidence of illegal sewage spills.
Today police also requested roughly £3,000 towards its additional costs as a result of the increased housing.
Councillor Ian Barlow said 'we need to build houses' and calls to pause a decision - until South West Water had shown infrastructure could cope - was simply ‘delaying it’.
The applicant cited that no objections were made from any statutory consultees and that South West Water can meet requirements - with the development also increasing funds towards drainage in the area.
One councillor reflected the fact South West Water has two incidents in the past few weeks - requiring tankers - despite the current heatwave - and asked why the council's planning meetings no longer focused on 'infrastructure first'.
Ed Freeman, the council's assistant director of planning, said the 'tankering' was part of 'works to upgrade the system in and around the Maer Lane area' and not a result of spills.
A total of 23 letters of objection have been received from residents, with some claiming the number of homes suggested is more than a third above the 59 homes that are recommended for the site in East Devon’s emerging local plan.
The council is working on a new local plan that will decide which sites are acceptable to be built on between now and 2042, with a total of around 21,000 homes needing to be built in that period.
Some also fear the impact on veteran and ancient trees, historic hedgerows and the damage that would be caused to protected species, including badgers, great crested newts, and 17 species of bat, including the rare Barbastelle bat.
The full meeting agenda can be found here