PLANS to build nine industrial units on a long-vacant site in Starcross have been met with opposition from the village's parish council.

River Exe Group Limited has applied to Teignbridge Council for permission to develop land off Generals Lane with nine commercial units, together with parking, landscaping and a boat storage area.

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

In comments submitted to the district council, the parish council said it was concerned about ‘the domination’ of that corner of the village by industrial units.

The council also questioned the ‘overbearing appearance’ of the proposal, as well as criticising what it believes is a lack of consideration for traffic, access and road safety.

Its objection states that insufficient attention has been paid to the impact on ‘what is a recreational and residential area’.

Despite opposing the current scheme, the parish council stopped short of rejecting development on the site altogether.

Instead, it said it would consider supporting ‘a reduced scheme which enabled good local employment possibilities in a less industrialised setting’.

Planning documents argue the proposals would regenerate a site that has remained vacant and overgrown for years, while providing new employment opportunities.

The Design and Access Statement says the location is accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport, including nearby bus and rail links. It also maintains that noise and disruption generated by the development would be modest and would not have a negative impact on neighbouring homes.

Teignbridge Council is expected 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.