District councillor
Cllr Brian Bailey
Strategic Planning Committee member; Councillor for Exmouth Littleham (Conservative)
Conservative councillor for Exmouth Littleham on East Devon District Council (council records list terms 2015–2019 and since 2023). Listed as a Strategic Planning Committee member in the meeting attendance records.
Where they stand
✗Against EXMO20Raised access concerns when EXMO20 was allocated on 3 September 2024 (when he seconded the smaller, officer-recommended Exmo_20b part) and from February 2025 onwards said repeatedly that he was 'totally against' EXMO20, most recently on 14 July 2026.
I'm totally against Exxon 20.Strategic Planning Committee, 4 February 2025 · 01:46:40 ▶ · meeting page · States his opposition to EXMO20 ('Exxon 20' as transcribed) on 4 February 2025.
So why progress it? I'm I'm totally against it.Strategic Planning Committee, 2 September 2025 (morning) · 01:54:58 ▶ · meeting page · Opposed keeping EXMO20 in the 2 September 2025 debate.
I've failed to say that I can't support this at allStrategic Planning Committee, 14 July 2026 · 01:07:54 ▶ · meeting page · Latest statement (14 July 2026): says he cannot support EXMO20.
Everything they said about EXMO20 at the meetings
53 passages from the council recordings, in date order. Each time stamp plays the recording at that moment.
Strategic Planning Committee, 3 September 2024 – afternoon session (2)
I can see the attraction of the large numbers, and I can agree with Councillor Hall about sustainability. When you've got the large numbers, you've got the chance of putting in some decent services, shops, dentists, doctors and the like, which are desperate for an exit. My concern about the site in general is the lack of access.00:15:40 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
My concern about the site in general is the lack of access. Do we know, have we got a proposal of how we're going to get in and out of this site? Because the easiest route would be from the top, the road that goes from Burley-Sort and Bright Street and Woodbury, but that's not going to be very effective. … so it'll have to be accessed onto Dinam Way somewhere and that is my concern00:16:01 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Strategic Planning Committee, 3 September 2024 – morning session (1)
This area is within the curtilage of the Greater Easton Building. There is also within this area Old Byshop Village, which is one of the oldest privately owned villages in the entire country. so it's historical significance and I'm very pleased that it's not recommended for development03:04:13 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
Strategic Planning Committee, 20 September 2024 – morning session (2)
And the fact that it may be prime agricultural land, as a representative of Exxon, we got absolutely hammered the other day on prime agricultural land.01:44:57 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
so I think there's less harm in building there than other places which I know very well, I'll mention Exmouth again which is the prospect of being built right up to the Pebblebed Heaths which is normally wouldn't even be considered but we have to consider these sites and we have to bite the bullet because we've got no choice02:15:47 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
Strategic Planning Committee, 11 December 2024 – morning session (5)
When you compare this to Exxonf 20, Exxonf 20 hasn't got as snowballs compared to this with the access and the level ground and not destroying any particular areas of woodland and things like that. So I can't see how you can be against this but for Exxonf 20. I know it shouldn't be compared but I feel obliged to.03:27:04 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
the access there are three proposals if memory serves uh one on the main road to buddy salton near the archery club uh which is way too far to town it's going to put a long journey into Exmouth and it's not sustainable from that one.03:46:17 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
The other one is through Southern Wood which is a very quiet well designed cul-de-SAC and at the back of there there's an ancient woodlander track which it's been suggested will be demolished for an entrance there which is highly unsuitable because it will come out of the cul-de-SAC onto a bend which is the Dinan Way.03:46:35 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Whatever highways thought of when they were they said it'd be fine I just do not know03:47:01 ▶ · The council’s answers (rebuttals) – what officers and councillors said in EXMO20’s defence
the other one the possibility is going up to the back of the industrial estate by McDonald's and that again is has to be accessed through land which I believe is owned by the same landowner and that is going through ancient forest again so I'd just like to try and highlight some protection for those areas please if that's possible03:47:03 ▶ · A. Habitats Regulations, Pebble Bed Heaths, air quality and ecology (126)
Strategic Planning Committee, 4 February 2025 (5)
at the new MPPF section to achieving sustainable development and we have subsection C environmental objectives well if you care to read that you'll find that um x plus 20 particularly springs to mind on this because it's suggesting here that we should improve biodiversity which in that case we wouldn't it's suggesting here we should go for low carbon … it's it's saying one thing but we're expected to do another you know letting all these cars onto the the b17 whatever it is00:50:41 ▶ · H. Heritage and other (51)
having looked at all this I think we're as we're mostly aware we're being rushed into this three quarters prepared I would imagine seven eights prepared but we're not fully prepared I take Councillor Bailey's point that we need to be prepared because Otherwise, it will come back and bite our bums, for want of a better expression.01:45:53 ▶ · 2. Outstanding pieces of work (HRA, Air Quality Mitigation report, etc.) – especially dates and promises (257)
Ollie mentioned Exxon 20. I'm totally against Exxon 20. When it did come up, it was seen as a least worst option, I think, was the quote from Councillor Howe when it came up. And the more we look into it, the worst choice. sometimes, personally, I think most of the committee that voted for it would probably wish that they hadn't. But it's too late now.01:46:40 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
we've got to remember, that we're in the forms of time come before the planning committee who will make the final decision. Just because it's in a strategic plan doesn't guarantee it will be built out.01:47:11 ▶ · G. Consultation and procedure (Regulation 19, AI, objections, generic answers, advice, future decisions) (85)
we're doing things that normally are under a less pressurised system we wouldn't even consider to do in XF20 for example we haven't got any active travel we've got pollution because we're running miles in the wrong direction to get to where we want to be in the first place01:47:32 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
Strategic Planning Committee, 19 May 2025 (2)
Many of the residents of Exmouth, especially those that are relatively close to the Pebblehead East, have, to quote Mr Barlow, a substantial number, whatever that may be, a considerable amount have complained that they didn't think that the first round of consultation was adequate, to quote them. I have a tendency to agree. I'm sure they would welcome a 19A consultation, and I'm sure they would robustly take part in it.02:32:40 ▶ · 3. The second consultation – anything that could be classed as predeterminative (104)
I have a copy of a letter here from the Woodland Trust and they've done some research into this and they are suggesting that that area we're talking about is 200 years old it's been um a woodland area and there are also several trees on that site that are over 400 years old and this is why they're along with myself and others uh very concerned about the situation02:34:41 ▶ · A. Habitats Regulations, Pebble Bed Heaths, air quality and ecology (126)
Strategic Planning Committee, 8 July 2025 (3)
Now, Exxon 20, for example, it's in the open countryside. It's right butting against the Pebblebed Heath. The left side of it is ancient woodland. Now, the environmental protection there seems to go against the policies of this council01:59:35 ▶ · A. Habitats Regulations, Pebble Bed Heaths, air quality and ecology (126)
and the amount of carbon that's going to be produced by people driving an extra three or four miles via Budleigh Salston and Noel Hill Roundabout to get to Exmouth because the other alternative is St John's Road which is a single track, very narrow and very bendy, not practical01:59:57 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
I just like to say I agree with Dan and Ollie and Jeff. And a lot of the residents from Exxon have come to, I feel, as an Exxon of Council, I ought to support them.02:56:01 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
Strategic Planning Committee, 2 September 2025 – morning session (7)
Councillor Brian bailey present wendy I've been lobbied on all things Exmouth including 2000:09:39 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
When we're discussing EXMO20, there's no way on God's earth that's sustainable.00:48:28 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
we have been told of 700 houses on the X of 20 and then when you look into various other bits and pieces regarding X of 20 I've seen a thousand houses mentioned … bearing in mind half the site won't be available so you're not going to get 700 at all so you'd be lucky to get 350 if it was to go ahead01:19:22 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
I've got a long list here, I think it's 14 different things that Mr Freeman said at the beginning of this meeting which in my interpretation tell me that this site is unsustainable we seem to be bending over backwards to try and make it work. Why? … these buildings will be here for 100 years at least. What a legacy we're leaving. A mess. Because it's not sustainable. … So why progress it? I'm I'm totally against it.01:54:58 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
there is a limit to what you can do and what you can't do because of the main road by the archery club you can't enter or exit the site there because of the 400 metre buffer zone you can't practically go through southern wood it's a private road and a private housing estate … and you're going through a wooded area as well and a water course that's not the way to do it01:55:18 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
because everything we've got, statutory consultees most if not all of them are objecting in some way or another01:56:17 ▶ · G. Consultation and procedure (Regulation 19, AI, objections, generic answers, advice, future decisions) (85)
If this is anywhere else, [member of the public] said it's not sustainable because the access isn't right. There's no schools. There's no doctors, dentists, no shops. Well, this answers all that. There's none of the above in any of this site.01:56:55 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Strategic Planning Committee, 25 November 2025 – morning session (5)
I have particular sympathy with our first speaker of today when he says there should be no development in the buffer zone because according to which authority you take advice from one authority which is a major one in Devon says well you can have possibly industrial sites playing fields allotments in the buffer zone00:48:59 ▶ · A. Habitats Regulations, Pebble Bed Heaths, air quality and ecology (126)
I thank Ollie and Charlotte for their support on the suggestion that came from one of our residents are first speaker. Hopefully it could be adopted without too much trouble.01:56:59 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
Now, regarding the water report, the general consensus I'm getting from the room is there's little or no confidence in this water report. Having said that, that doesn't give it justification and enough legs, as far as I can see, to be part of our decision-making because of the very fact that it's not got all the details.01:57:10 ▶ · 2. Outstanding pieces of work (HRA, Air Quality Mitigation report, etc.) – especially dates and promises (257)
I bow to my colleagues you've got to go with the flow but at least we gave it a shot02:14:43 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
however in the future these decisions won't be made by this authority this authority and the members have local knowledge which theoretically these decisions could be made from central Devon north Devon whatever so that to me makes the policy weaker02:14:50 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
Strategic Planning Committee, 6 January 2026 (3)
and now we're in a situation a worse situation with South West Water and the infrastructure than 25 years ago which I remember well and we're still giving permission to build. And I personally think that is wrong00:36:47 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
However, going back to the Exmouth neighbourhood plan, we did put in the neighbourhood plan that we didn't want any development in North Exmouth, in Eyestock Village, which is one of the oldest walled villages in the country. And unfortunately, all the area of Northern Exmouth, which has now come under EXMO20. … I'm just wishing to say that this was in our neighbourhood plan in Exmouth and it's not been adhered to by this authority.01:13:48 ▶ · H. Heritage and other (51)
I'm just wishing to say that this was in our neighbourhood plan in Exmouth and it's not been adhered to by this authority.01:14:17 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
Strategic Planning Committee, 3 March 2026 – morning session (7)
present and being lobbied on all things x00:09:27 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
if, heaven forbid Exxon 20 was to go ahead the access from the main road by the Archery Club, was suggested that the access would be there, which would be running through the 400-metre buffer zone with the Pebble Bear Heaves. … And the way I interpreted it, rightly or wrongly, I'm sure Mr Freeman will have an opinion in a moment, is that we should not be doing extra 20. We certainly should not be accessing through a buffer zone to the Pebble Red Heaves.00:50:17 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
And the way I interpreted it, rightly or wrongly, I'm sure Mr Freeman will have an opinion in a moment, is that we should not be doing extra 20. We certainly should not be accessing through a buffer zone to the Pebble Red Heaves.00:50:49 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
I'm talking about Exxon 20 specifically … Exxon 20 does not fit the quality of that service the service we need in Exxon is affordable homes … And why are we pursuing it? Why are we pursuing what would appear to be the most awkward situation we can have? We've got no sewerage structure as such. It's inadequate to say the least. So I'd like to know some justification in my mind for the people of Exeter, who I represent, is why is this being pursued with such vigour when some of us don't agree with it.01:08:41 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
Also, there's no infrastructure. There's no mention in this plan of any infrastructure whatsoever. … We've got no sewerage structure as such. It's inadequate to say the least.01:09:13 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
And why are we pursuing it? Why are we pursuing what would appear to be the most awkward situation we can have? … why is this being pursued with such vigour when some of us don't agree with it. … I'm not sure they were necessarily genuine questions, Brian. I think those were more points that you wanted to make, which were dressed up as questions. And I think some of that's a little bit, you know, we've been over lots of those points before, Councillor Bailey.01:09:37 ▶ · G. Consultation and procedure (Regulation 19, AI, objections, generic answers, advice, future decisions) (85)
Having said that, I'd like to draw your attention to page 62 of the report, I beg your pardon, yes, 62, Table 5-9, which states and gives you all the details of the overspills for Expo area from 2018 to 2024 which are increasing exponentially according to this report. … anyone with any interest in it would think well it's not relevant to build any more houses because the system clearly is not capable of taking the sewage01:59:38 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Strategic Planning Committee, 5 May 2026 (4)
Councillor Brian bailey I'm present and I've been uh lobbied on excess 20 and various other things regarding excellent00:12:59 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
But if I understand Mr. Freeman correctly, because of the 19 engagement that's been taking place, the regulation, we can't alter that, which seems very strange to me01:05:53 ▶ · 3. The second consultation – anything that could be classed as predeterminative (104)
Take Exxon 20, for example, I see there's 16% affordable homes, 30% rented accommodation in some form, but the majority of them are going to be £400,000 plus is going to be the cost of those houses. So it doesn't comply. … our main problem is single occupancy housing, flats, that sort of thing, for single people. That's not been addressed at all in any of the Exxon 20.01:06:09 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
my concern is that we are if we're building an area of outstanding natural beauty or national land our policy is for 50 percent affordable but we're not complying with that policy are we we're considerably down we're at 30 percent 25 percent so why are why are we not enforcing that policy01:22:53 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
Strategic Planning Committee, 14 July 2026 (3)
and I fail to see, with the evidence before me, regarding the HELAA, the air quality and the water cycle, that why with such lack of consistent and positive reports on Exxon's 20 in particular, why are we pursuing it? Because it appears to me that we're up against a brick wall. … are we pursuing it just to get the numbers up or are we pursuing it because Mr Freeman has been told he needs to do this … it's not viable, it's not practical and it's just not suitable for eczema, we're overrun … I've failed to say that I can't support this at all01:07:54 ▶ · 4. Councillors admitting EXMO20 should not have been allocated, or that allocating it was a mistake (30)
I fail to see, with the evidence before me, regarding the HELAA, the air quality and the water cycle, that why with such lack of consistent and positive reports on Exxon's 20 in particular, why are we pursuing it? Because it appears to me that we're up against a brick wall. … are we pursuing it just to get the numbers up … I've failed to say that I can't support this at all01:07:54 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
The water cycle is high in the sky, let's be honest. There's no definite time or date when they're going to start work. … Now, there's the slightest bit of rain. Everything overflows. Put all these properties in there, it can be overflowing on a daily basis. it's not viable, it's not practical and it's just not suitable for eczema, we're overrun at the moment we've got no facilities, try and get a doctor in eczema, you've got to wait two weeks01:09:02 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Strategic Planning Committee, 22 September 2026 (2)
the southwest water undergoing an assessment of what works to be done in the future to improve the situation but there's nothing specific there's nothing you can hang your hat on and say safe west water are building for example a new serious system in eczema to cope with all these extra houses there's nothing there it's all speculation which I don't think is is good enough and we've had five water reports um the conclusion is vague to say the least01:55:31 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
One, causing pollution to water and the environment. Two, resulting in deterioration, ecological and waterways, overloading a series network and pollution to coastal waters. All of which we are doing at present. We are granting permission, knowing that these things...02:26:32 ▶ · D. Deliverability: access, sewage, water, infrastructure, viability (“effective”) (125)
Full Council, 14 October 2026 (2)
I believe you said any large application would go to committee but what what is determined as large would it be extra 20 for example at 700 … In your opinion and [member of the public] opinion, Would Extras 20 qualify to be heard by committee?01:08:16 ▶ · G. Consultation and procedure (Regulation 19, AI, objections, generic answers, advice, future decisions) (85)
I don't wish to put you on the spot where I'm going to, no offence. In your opinion and [member of the public] opinion, Would Extras 20 qualify to be heard by committee?01:09:21 ▶ · I. Admissions (24)
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