Plans for 260 new homes approved

Developers plan to build 260 homes on this field in Cranbrook, near Exeter

More than 250 homes have been approved to be built on fields on the edge of a town after planning permission was granted.

The development could see up to 260 homes built, as well as some retail units and a youth sports pitch on fields in Cranbrook, near Exeter, that currently house a former World War Two radio station.

Cranbrook Town Council was against the plans, citing concerns about traffic and the "high number of flats" which are "more akin to town centre development".

But East Devon District Council planning committee opted to approve the application subject to conditions and a s106 agreement.

The population of the new town of Cranbrook is expected to expand to about 20,000

There are other sites in the area where development is set to take place, with more than 1,400 homes approved in April.

According to the report, the site would be "surrounded on two sides by the recently issued planning permission for up to 1,435 dwellings".

Cranbrook Town Council's formal response to the application stated the scale of the proposed developments meant there were "real concerns for motorist frustration, drivers seeking rat-runs through residential parcels, and collisions".

The new town of Cranbrook was originally touted as an "eco-trailblazer" by East Devon District Council when work began in 2011.

East Devon District Council's planning committee is due to meet on Tuesday at 10:00 GMT.