A COUNCILLOR has joined a growing chorus of opposition to plans for several industrial units on land at Starcross - describing the proposal as ‘just wrong’

Submitted by River Exe Group Limited, the application - reference 26/00958/MAJ is seeking permission for nine B2/B8 commercial units at land off Generals Lane.

Twenty objections have been lodged against plans, including by county councillor Alan Connett.

Cllr Connett, who represents Exminster and Haldon division, which includes Starcross, described the proposal as ‘overbearing in scale and size’.

‘This proposal is just wrong - it's in the wrong place, and will overshadow and dwarf the homes and area around it’, Cllr Connett said.

Cllr Connett added: ‘The road network is not suited for the scale of development proposed. Generals Lane is a single width lane with no pavement. Local residents have to walk in the road of necessity.

‘It forms part of a walking route to Starcross Primary School and, of course, the main village community facility, The Pavilion, is accessed by pedestrians and cars along Generals Lane.

‘This proposal, if approved, will have a significant negative impact on the neighbouring community of Generals Close, the neighbouring property of Rose Cottage and impact a wider part of Starcross generally.

‘There is little to commend this application, which I hope will be refused’.

Elsewhere, Starcross Parish Council objected to the proposal, arguing it would be out of keeping with the character of the village.

However, according to the design and access statement for 26/00958/MAJ, the proposals, which also include landscaping, parking and a storage area for boats, will allow for ‘the development of the currently vacant and overgrown site and offer valuable employment opportunities in a sustainable location’.

Teignbridge Council are due to make a decision by September 21.

To view the associated planning documents, and to comment on the application, visit Teignbridge Council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/00958/MAJ’ into the search-box.