Why is this development being proposed now?

Under the current adopted East Devon Local Plan (2013–2031), the fields north and east of Exton Farm lie in the open countryside. Strategy 7 of that plan strictly controls new residential development in such locations, and the principle of building homes here would normally be resisted.

The emerging East Devon Local Plan takes a different approach. It identifies Exton as a Service Village and includes the land as a Preferred Allocation (Wood_28) for around 33-39 homes plus a small area of employment land. Although the emerging plan has not yet been submitted for examination and currently carries only limited weight, its identification of the site has created a window of opportunity. Developers are advancing proposals now — while the new plan is still being finalised – in the hope that the emerging allocation will strengthen their case.

This is why the current pre-application consultation for up to 42 homes is taking place. Residents are being asked to respond at a critical moment, before any formal planning application is submitted and before the emerging Local Plan is fully tested at examination.

This website has been created by local residents to share clear information about the proposals, explain the key planning issues, and help neighbours respond effectively to the current consultation and any future planning applications.