Residents set to go into battle again over Axminster homes plan

An appeal has been lodged against planners’ refusal to allow a controversial homes development in the centre of Axminster.

The scheme to build two houses and two flats on land fronting Cedar Gardens was unanimously rejected by East Devon district councillors following a site meeting earlier this year.

The application from Justin Werb, of Shute-based Berkley Park, Cedar Ltd, also sought consent to make alterations to the existing parking and communal areas and convert two existing flats into a single two bed dwelling.

There was massive local opposition to the proposal – the second bid to develop this site – and it was rejected after planners took along a pole to show how high the proposed buildings would be.

Afterwards Axminster ward member Douglas Hull said he was delighted the development control committee had unanimously rejected the proposal.

He added: “If there is an appeal they can say everyone came and looked at the area. The decision was not made by remote control.”

Now residents now have until July 19 to make representations to East Devon District Council ahead of the appeal hearing. The application number is 11/1992/FUL