Local Plan allocation in Broadclyst village for 100 new homes causes apprehension for councillors.

At its meeting on 13th January 2025, Broadclyst Parish Council expressed considerable worry about the burden on infrastructure resulting from new development. Noting that vital community infrastructure including schools and healthcare provision in the parish were already operating under strain, councillors discussed the significant impact of an additional 100 homes allocated to the Winter Garden site on the eastern edge of the village.  The meeting was attended by local residents who shared their concerns. 

The original draft allocation of 70 homes was felt by EDDC officers to be the maximum that the essential infrastructure could take; however, at its meeting on 29th October, 2025, the East Devon Strategic Planning Committee voted to endorse the inclusion of site Brcl_12a and 12b to provide 100 dwellings under a Masterplan approach that would provide for the delivery of the Winter Gardens site and neighbouring site (Brcly_29) with a shared route for vehicular access, removing the need for additional pressure on the Maple Road / Green Tree Lane junction. 

Members expressed concerns and frustration that the Masterplan discussions took place without further engagement or consultation with the parish council. They felt this 'heavy-handed, top-down' approach conflicted with the extensive officer time and detailed input through workshops that had characterised the preparation of the Local Plan thus far. The decision-making process neglected meaningful engagement with the community and the Parish Council, leaving residents feeling excluded from decisions directly impacting their quality of life.

It was resolved to write a Letter of Representation to the Strategic Planning Committee. The letter can be downloaded here.