Planning permission for more than 50 retirement apartments in the centre of Exmouth has been denied.

The proposed development would have seen the current builders' merchant Jewson on Fore Street demolished, and the site redeveloped with a three-storey apartment block of 54 retirement flats, as well as six retirement cottages and some space for commercial use.

East Devon District Council's planning committee refused the application on Tuesday (13 June) due to concerns over the loss of employment land and criticism about more housing exclusively for elderly residents.

Cllr Steve Gazzard (Lib Dem, Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh) said: "We have many [retirement homes] in Exmouth. Do we need any more? I don't think we do.

"I don't believe that our infrastructure can take any more of these sorts of developments.

"The loss of employment land... is a vital thing that we need in Exmouth. We need more employment land. 

"It's already been said that we have a great shortage of one- and two-bedroom accommodation for younger people in Exmouth, and that's what we should be thinking about... trying to help our youngsters to stay in our town."

Cllr Eileen Wragg (Lib Dem, Exmouth Town) said: " At some point, a lot of these retirees will need some sort of social or health care. And we know the state our NHS is in at the moment. 

"Far more jobs could be created on this site. I think it's an inappropriate use of a town centre location."

Click here to view the application.