PROTESTORS cheered and applauded when plans to build a block of homes in the heart of Chudleigh were overwhelmingly rejected.

Teignbridge councillors were unanimous in their support for the objectors who crowded into Old Forde House, Newton Abbot, to hear the application for the site at The Square in Old Exeter Road discussed on Tuesday.

More than 500 people signed a petition against the proposal to build seven properties and a retail unit on the land, right next to the war memorial and obelisk.

Emotions were running high as members looked at the bid after having paid a visit to the site itself.

Councillors generally felt the design was overbearing and overwhelming and not sympathetic to the rest of the town centre.

Ward member Cllr Patricia Johnson-King said: ‘This is in a prominent position in the town centre and deserves a much more sympathetic design.

‘If this application is successful, there will be no going back and Chudleigh will be blighted.’

Planning officers had recommended approval of the scheme with a list of conditions.

Objectors said the design was in breach of Teignbridge Council’s own policies in terms of building in a conservation area, respecting the character of the street scene.

They also said it was contrary to the contents of the Chudleigh masterplan, adopted in 2011 and if approved, would render the process of developing the plan ‘utterly wasted’.

Planning officer Nick Davies pointed out that there had been options put forward for enhancing the town square which included a corner building on the site.

He said: ‘Design is subjective and everyone will have an opinion.

‘But in our view, it takes references from other buildings and is sympathetic in scale.

‘We recommend it will enhance the area.’

Cllr Chris Clarence said he was ‘disappointed’ that officers recommended approving the plans.

Cllr Avril Kerswell said whatever was put on the site in future had to enhance the square.

She said: ‘I don’t think this particular building is the right one for Chudleigh.’

It was suggested that the town council or Teignbridge Council should consider buying the site, which is privately owned, to protect it as a green open space.

The town council has previously discounted this as being too expensive.

Cllr Jacqui Orme said: ‘There is potential for improvement on this site but this building certainly isn’t that.

‘It won’t improve the town centre, there is no benefit for the community and it is overbearing.

‘Chudleigh has its own identity and this development would absolutely ruin it.’

Cllr Vince Fusco added: ‘It will change the whole character of Chudleigh and stand out like a sore thumb.’

Cllr Charlie Dennis commented: ‘Everything is wrong about this and nothing is right.

‘This building is unsympathetic and ugly.’

Cllr Dave Rollason said: ‘I struggle to understand the logic behind officers recommending approval.

‘This design is so obviously wrong.’

The application was unanimously refused.