Devon County Council has approved plans to build a new link road as part of an 860-home development project.

The road, which will be between Elm Grove Road and the A379 Exeter Road, will serve as part of Teignbridge District Council’s plans to build 860 new homes near Secmanton Lane.

The road was proposed after the lack of a link road previously caused issues during homes construction in the area, meaning that works vehicles had to rely on central roads, causing traffic congestion.

The anticipated cost of the link road is approximately £6,200,000, with £4,900,000 to come from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, and the remaining £1,300,000 to come from developer contributions.

There will also be cycle lanes and footpaths on the link road. The road was unanimously approved by the Council’s cabinet.

The housing development is part of Dawlish’s local plan and has a target of 25 per cent affordable homes.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, local councillor Martin Wrigley, commented: "This road has been seven years, at least, in the making... and it will be a massive relief when it comes in to the local residents.”