A FAMOUS seaside town now has too many old people and needs younger families , it has been claimed.
Exmouth in Devon, famous for its miles of golden sands, has now reached a "saturation point" for retirement homes.
The concerns that the town has too many retirement apartments were aired at a council meeting, when plans for a scheme were blocked, reports Devon Live.
The plans were knocked back after a planning committee meeting at East Devon District Council.
Councillors threw out plans put in by Churchill Retirement Living to build 54 retirement apartments along with six retirement cottages.
Cllr Steve Gazzard : “Do we need any more [retirement homes]?”
“I don’t think we do. I think we’ve got to what I would call saturation point in Exmouth for these types of developments.”
Cllr Brian Bailey said: “Exmouth is in a situation where we’re all getting older. The population in Exmouth is getting older and older on a daily basis.
“We have a housing need in Exmouth for one- and two-bedroom flats and houses,” he added. “We need those types of housing. Why are we getting this? We don’t need this. There is no demand for this.”
Cllr Olly Davey said: “The local plan says there is a need for balanced communities, securing employment provision, reducing the need for commuting, and encouraging development for younger people and families.
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“Well, Exmouth already has a high proportion of older people
“I think a better use could be found for this site.
"A better use would be a mixed residential and commercial – say an office development.”
Cllr Bailey said: “Exmouth is in a situation where we’re all getting older. The population in Exmouth is getting older and older on a daily basis.
“We have a housing need in Exmouth for one- and two-bedroom flats and houses,” he added. “We need those types of housing. Why are we getting this? We don’t need this. There is no demand for this.”
Speaking in favour on behalf of the applicant, Rosie Roome claimed there was a “clear local need” for such a development, stating: “Retirement housing is not for everyone, but it is important to provide choice within the housing market.”
The committee rejected the plan by a margin of six votes to one, with three abstentions.
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