Commenting, Hugo Swire said:
‘Unlike some, I have never taken the rather irresponsible position of being anti-development. The fact is that for decades there has been a chronic shortage of homes, not least due to a growing and aging population. It is absolutely vital that we build more affordable houses, especially for young people in East Devon trying to get on the housing ladder.
‘However, we must ensure that a balance is struck. We live and work in a wonderful part of the world and it is absolutely crucial that East Devon retains its beautiful landscape and unique character.
‘A completed Local Plan is essential as it would be drawn up in consultation with local people so that they could determine where development should and should not go. However, many of my constituents feel that EDDC’s lack of a Local Plan is allowing developers free rein which is leading to overdevelopment in areas such as Woodbury Salterton.
‘Today I call on EDDC to make the completion of its Local Plan an absolute priority and, in the meantime, ensure that the green light is not automatically given to developers. Inappropriate planning applications must always be rejected’.