Comedian Josh Widdicombe has become a notable figure in a controversy surrounding plans for affordable housing in Exeter, Devon, where he resides. The 43-year-old, recently announced as one of the new hosts of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, joined hundreds of local residents in opposing Devon County Council’s proposal to develop 1.5 acres of land at its civic headquarters site. The site is part of a larger area that includes more than 20 acres of surrounding green space and parkland.

The proposal aimed to provide housing for key workers and care leavers, groups identified by the council as needing affordable accommodation. However, some residents and neighbourhood groups have challenged the plans, raising concerns primarily about the loss of green space. They argue the council’s intentions were motivated more by potential financial gain from selling the land rather than a genuine commitment to the designated housing needs.

Julian Brazil, leader of Devon County Council and a Liberal Democrat, criticised the opposition as a “classic middle-class backlash” against affordable housing in a wealthy area. He questioned where residents expected key workers and care leavers to be housed if not in the proposed development. “It’s alright for you, Josh, mate, but where do you think we should put these people?” Brazil said.

Local campaigners respond that their objections are not rooted in nimbyism but in concerns that public green space is being sacrificed without sufficient consultation. Nigel FitzHugh, chair of the St Leonard’s Neighbourhood Association, said the council’s promotion of housing for care leavers and key workers seemed to be an afterthought intended to make the project more publicly acceptable. “We are not against those sorts of houses,” he said, adding that the primary issue was protecting the land’s status as a green space.

The controversy gained further attention when about 350 residents gathered for a protest outside a council planning meeting earlier this year, with Widdicombe among those attending. He described his presence as that of a “local resident” but declined further comment and was not an organiser of the protest. Neighbours reportedly invited him, and he has not made additional public statements on the matter.

The land at the centre of the dispute has been fenced off for several years and was previously occupied by temporary buildings that have since been removed. It is located within a wider area of about five hectares of green space the council says remains unaffected by development plans. Nevertheless, images of the larger parkland were circulated in online campaigns against the housing proposal, contributing to residents’ concerns.

Exeter’s Green Party claimed a degree of victory in June when the council announced it would rewild the disputed land. However, Brazil attributed this decision to broader viability issues with the development rather than public pressure alone.

Widdicombe’s involvement has drawn criticism from some council members, who noted a contrast between his left-wing comedy persona, known for critiquing conservative politics, and his opposition to the housing plan. Brazil also highlighted a separate local planning issue involving Widdicombe, who had to pause renovations on his £2.95 million St Leonard’s home due to lacking prior planning consent—a retrospective application was later approved.

Green councillor Andy Ketchin defended the protestors, rejecting accusations of nimbyism and criticising the council for inadequate public engagement regarding the housing proposals. FitzHugh echoed concerns that the council’s initial intent was simply to sell the land for financial gain, asserting that adding provisions for care leaver and key worker housing was a later attempt to reframe the project more favourably.

The debate continues to highlight the tensions between local community priorities, affordable housing needs, and the management of green spaces within Exeter’s desirable neighbourhoods.