A planning application for 24 new flats on Chapel Street in Exmouth has been submitted to East Devon District Council.

The flats would be built as part of a one-and-a-half storey extension added to the roof of the existing two-storey retail units from 26-42 Chapel Street (roughly from the Devon Air Ambulance charity shop to Caffè Nero).

The proposed development would provide seven one-bed flats and 17 two-bed flats over two floors, with pedestrian access only.

The existing ground floor shops and their first-floor storage areas would remain unchanged.

According to the planning documents, the applicant believes making 25 per cent of the flats affordable (the amount required for Exmouth by East Devon District Council) would make the project "unviable".

Reasons put forward include the proposed cost of extending an existing building, and also high costs of labour and materials due to inflation and a shortage of skilled workers.

The development is on brownfield land, and so any affordable housing contribution could be reduced "by a proportionate amount" if in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

However, the applicant is reportedly "aware of their responsibilities" and willing "to negotiate a suitable off-site contribution".

The application is currently awaiting a decision from the district council.

Click here to view the application.