Residents in Exmouth opposed plans for an Asda store near the estuary - a beautiful site with various protection orders and rare birdlife. The town has rejected development on the Exe twice in two consultations and there was a petition of 10,900 people opposing it, which was presented to the House of Commons. The Council announced Asda as its 'regeneration partner', but in mid-February 2009 Asda announced it would be withdrawing its proposals.