Our seaside town is being ruined by ‘too many old people’ – we urgently need to attract young families and couples

It has been claimed that a famous seaside town now has too many old people and needs younger families.

Exmouth in Devon, famed for its miles of golden sandy beaches, has now reached a ‘saturation point’ for retirement homes.

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Concerns that the city has too many senior housing schemes were reportedly raised at a council meeting when plans for a project were blocked Devon Live.

The plans were thrown back after a planning committee meeting at East Devon District Council.

Councilors rejected Churchill Retirement Living’s plans to build 54 retirement homes and six retirement homes.

Cllr Steve Gazzard: “Do we need more?” [retirement homes]?

“I don’t think we do that. I think we have reached a point at Exmouth that I would describe as the saturation point for such developments.”

Cllr Brian Bailey said: “Exmouth is in a situation where we are all getting older. The population of Exmouth is getting older every day.

“We have a need for one and two bedroom apartments and houses in Exmouth,” he added. “We need housing like this. Why are we getting this? We don’t need that. There is no demand for that.”

Cllr Olly Davey said: “The local plan says it needs balanced communities, ensuring the provision of employment, reducing the need for commuting and encouraging the development of younger people and families.”

“Well, Exmouth already has a high proportion of older people
“I think a better use could be found for this website.

“A better use would be a mixed residential and commercial use, such as an office building.”

Cllr Bailey said: “Exmouth is in a situation where we are all getting older. The population of Exmouth is getting older every day.

“We have a need for one and two bedroom apartments and houses in Exmouth,” he added. “We need housing like this. Why are we getting this? We don’t need that. There is no demand for that.”

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Rosie Roome argued that there is a “clear local need” for such development, stating: “Retirement housing is not for everyone, but it is important to offer choice in the housing market.”

The committee rejected the plan by a vote of six to one and three abstentions.

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