CONTROVERSIAL plans for up to 270 new homes in Dawlish could be thrown out by planners.

Teignbridge Council's planning boss Steve Robinson has recommended a proposal by Cavanna Homes and Bovis Homes for a new housing development in Secmaton Lane is refused because it does not have enough affordable homes.

Cavanna and Bovis want to pull down two existing cottages in Secmaton Lane on the 26-acre site on the north-western edge of Dawlish bordered by Gatehouse Primary School and near James Plantation.

The plan would include car parking, informal play areas and recreation spaces and cycleways.

The existing pedestrian route from Elm Grove Road through the Elm Grove Plantation area to Sandy Lane would also be improved to provide an all-weather surface and a link to Kingsdown Crescent.

The outline application originally went before Teignbridge Council's development control committee last October and was originally recommended for approval.

The decision was deferred so issues including financial contributions, levels of affordable homes and water drainage arrangements could be resolved.

After further discussions, the applicants took the plan back to the committee for determination.

It will go back to the committee at their meeting on Monday.

Planners now say there is insufficient affordable housing, a lack of provision for indoor sports facilities and a lack of provision for air quality improvements, despite a number of other matters being resolved.

In his report Mr Robinson said: "The development would only provide 10 per cent affordable housing and would not make any provision for any indoor sports provision or air quality improvements to offset the impacts of the development."

The plans have generated opposition from residents. Up to 24 letters and a petition of 232 signatures have been sent to the council.

In her objection Sarah Aggett, of Kingsdown Crescent, said: "I strongly object to the above plans on a number of grounds, but primarily because of the effect it will have on Gatehouse Primary School by increasing traffic.

"This will lead to an increased health and safety risk to children, parents and staff."

Wildlife and countryside writer Trevor Beer expressed his concern about the impact on James Plantation.

He said he was 'deeply concerned' by the plan, adding: "I do urge all of those concerned to save this woodland from development and continue to protect the native flora and fauna species for the future."

Catherine Young, of San Remo Terrace, said: "I feel this application should be refused on health and safety issues as well as environmental ones."