COUNCILLORS have deferred making a decision on plans that would see 450 homes, a school, shops and a park-and-ride built on the eastern edge of Exeter.

Members of Devon's development management committee yesterday made clear they felt the plans for 50 acres at Old Park Farm, Pinn Hill near Pinhoe, had not been properly thought through.

PROPOSAL: A map showing the proposed site for new homes at Pinn Hill, near Pinhoe

Several said they felt the scheme should have been part of a masterplan, particularly as there is likely to be a proposal for another 350 homes in fields directly opposite.

Devon County Council is a consultee on the scheme, which will ultimately be decided by East Devon District Council.

Councillors agreed to defer their decision after officers had recommended it for approval subject to a number of planning agreements being put in place.

The meeting was addressed by Councillor Saxon Spence, county member for Pinhoe, who said the proposed development "does look a bit like urban sprawl".

"It is ad hoc provision of housing which is not linked to any proper planning," she said.

Ms Spence said traffic concerns were a major issue for residents with the double mini roundabouts in Pinhoe already easily congested.

Councillor Roger Giles, county member for Ottery St Mary Rural, said East Devon is to start a public consultation on September 6 on its core strategy of which this development is part. He said: "This pre-empts that. This is premature and it is not the way to do things."

Councillor Richard Edgell, county representative for Chulmleigh and Swimbridge, agreed that it was premature.

He said it was 'fatuous' to suggest this development was needed because of delays to Cranbrook when that was expected to start next year.

A meeting is to be arranged between members of the committee and the district council to discuss the issues raised.

Hundreds of residents in Westclyst, Broadclyst, Poltimore and Pinhoe have signed a petition objecting to the plan.

They have also written to Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles for asking for his help in putting a stop to the development.