Controversial Exeter mental health hospital WILL be built next to primary school

The heated meeting saw objectors jeering at comments made throughout the evening and one was asked to leave after playing aircraft noises on their mobile phone to prevent a supporter giving his presentation A controversial planning application to build a mental health hospital next to a primary school has been approved for a second time.The majority of Exeter City Council (ECC) planning committee members voted in favour of building a 54-bed independent hospital in the residential area of Ribston Avenue next to St Nicholas Catholic Primary School and also a new housing development.It was granted planning consent last December 3, however, the application was debated again tonight, April 15, after the council admitted its consultation had been ‘inadequate’ and it failed to properly consider the safety of children.Out of the 11 councillors present, seven voted for three against subject, and one abstained. The hospital will have three wards and will be surrounded by a 3m high fence.The heated meeting saw objectors jeering at comments made throughout the evening and one was asked to leave after playing aircraft noises on their mobile phone to prevent a supporter on behalf of Cygnet Health Care, who will run the facility, from giving his three minute presentation to the councillors.Referring to the impact on the school, Cllr Holland told how it has already seen a lower number of applications whereas before it had a waiting list, and as it had only attracted 29 pupils instead of 45 for its next reception intake its budget would reduce by £64,000.Many objectors stormed out of the meeting before the final vote was cast. It was approved subject to a list of conditions, including around safeguarding issues.