Public inquiry into east Devon countryside homes plan
A public inquiry has begun into plans for more than 150 new homes in countryside in east Devon.
Strategic Land Partnerships wants to build 154 dwellings between the edge of Exmouth and the village of Lympstone. It said about 60 would be affordable.
East Devon District Council has rejected the plans twice.
The developers said they were hopeful of winning their appeal and that work would start almost immediately if the inquiry backed them.
Also included in the development are plans for business units, a health centre with a doctor and dentist, a creche and nursery and a shop.
The plans have received 633 objections from members of the public.
Anti-development campaigner Mark Robertson said concerns included it being "out of scale with community".
The inquiry is due to last six days and a decision is expected within two months.