PEOPLE living in a “picture-perfect” seaside town fear it could be ruined by sprawling newbuild homes leaving the streets clogged.
Residents in the Devon resort of Topsham are united in complaining about a lack of parking spaces.
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And they blame new-build developments taking over the 4,000-population resort on the Exe estuary five miles from Exeter, according to DevonLive.
Both residents and business-owners raised the concerns about a place otherwise popular for its quaint winding streets and expansive countryside views.
And the parking problem looks set to get even more troublesome with 45 more roads requiring permits from tomorrow.
Lesley White, who works at The Cafe and has lived in Topsham for 25 years, praised its “good community”, “great schools” and “incredibly friendly” atmosphere.
Yet she said: “There’s nowhere to park here with all the newbuilds that are coming in.
“All the local streets have all got parking meters now so everyone’s restricted.”
Sam Gillham, manager of Arthur’s Butchery in the town, agreed about what he identified Topsham’s one major problem.
He said: “Parking – it would be nice if people could find somewhere to park.”
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And Ryan Adams, manager of another cafe Route 2, said: “Parking, that’s the only bad thing about Topsham.
“It’s always been a thing and now they’ve brought in the parking meters which are not great for trade or day trips.”
More new-build homes are on the way for Topsham after being given planning permission by Exeter city council.
Up to 30 new properties on the outskirts of the town were approved in February, with 35 per cent of them categorised as affordable.
Two years ago the same council gave the go-ahead for 240 new homes in an area known as the “Topsham Gap” on the edges of the town.
Among the housing firms advertising homes nearby are Burrington Estates, who described Topsham as “one of the region’s most sought after places to live”.
Another company targeting the area, Heritage Homes, says: “Much of Topsham’s appeal is its undoubted ‘Exe Factor’ – that is, its wonderful array of wildlife that sits right on its doorstep.”
And Taylor Wimpey is currently advertising a range of new homes in Topsham’s Apsham Grange area priced between £425,000 and £915,000.
There have been complaints elsewhere about newbuild developments marring towns and villages, especially coastal resorts.
Some 51 new properties have been earmarked for Wells-next-to-the-sea in North Norfolk, close to where neighbours have also condemned what was dubbed a new “Bond villain”-esque “monstrosity”.
New homes already put up in Bollington in Cheshire have fuelled anger after apparently being left to rot – while residents moving into a new estate in New Waltham, Lincolnshire, found themselves unable to park on their own drives.
And a family were devastated after their £345,000 dream newbuild in Grimsby turned out to be a home from hell.
And dozens of residents of a Hartlepool estate had to shower with bottled water for a week when their water supply was contaminated.
“Monster” newbuilds have also been condemned by people living in Penge in south London.
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