Honiton’s LDF recommends there should be no development unless issues with infrastructure, facilities and services are addressed.

Hopes for the future of Honiton were put under the microscope as the town council discussed the final version of its contribution to the Local Development Framework (LDF).

The final draft of the plan will now be submitted to East Devon District Council.

A major area of concern for councillors was the issue of housing and development within the town.

Councillor Nick Cornwell said: “Until Honiton has the infrastructure, it wouldn’t make any sense to build anymore houses.

Councillor Liz Tirard added: “No way could the town support a large scale development.”

In the plan, the council has recommended that no housing development should take place unless the town council’s concerns regarding infrastructure, facilities and services for residents are addressed.

Any new housing should be restricted to low-scale development and concentrated on affordable or low cost housing suitable for both young and elderly people with priority given to local people.

Councillor Tirard added: “We should be enhancing people’s lives, rather than expecting them to live in rabbit hutches.”

Councillor Vivienne Ash proposed that some additional work be done to look into the issues of density.

The LDF plan will also look to improve major road structures and the town’s infrastructure by including plans for the eastern bypass, to relieve the traffic entering the town via the A35 to access the A30/A303, and improve the Turks Head junction.

The town council’s opposition to development west of Hayne Lane and any move towards ribbon development along the A30 was also identified in the plan.

Other areas in the LDF included improving public transport links and addressing air quality management concerns, together with improvements to the town centre such as the pedestrianisation of areas and the protection of the town’s heritage.

The plan will be discussed by East Devon District Council’s local plan panel on September 6.