Planners throw out hotel and restaurant planned at Newton Abbot Racecourse
PLANNERS have thrown out a multi-million pound scheme to bring a major hotel chain to Newton Abbot.
Plans for a £5.5million project including a 60-bed Premier Inn and Beefeater family restaurant at Newton Abbot Racecourse were refused under delegated powers.
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The development was planned for 2.24 acres of land on the western boundary of the 93-acre racecourse site next to Newton Road.
The site is currently used as a car park.
But planners claimed the contemporary design and siting of the buildings opposite Tesco supermarket were not in keeping with the surrounding area.
They also raised concerns about traffic access, congestion and pollution.
But leisure industry giant Whitbread Plc has said it will appeal against the decision.
If it wins it would be the first major hotel chain to establish a presence in Newton Abbot and could lead to 65 new jobs.
Whitbread Plc said it had done its best to meet planners' demands, but an eleventh-hour request to move the buildings to another part of the site was not acceptable.
In a statement the firm said it was 'bitterly disappointed' with the decision to throw out the scheme.
"Whitbread had hoped to continue discussions with planners and were surprised to receive the refusal before further discussions had taken place.
"New plans will now need to be prepared, which will set back the possible opening of the hotel by at least six months.
"Whitbread will also appeal against the council's decision as it believes that the decision is unreasonable," the firm said. The proposal forms part of a plan to make Newton Abbot Racecourse a year-round facility.
Around £300,000 has already been spent on new and replacement buildings including a new stable lads canteen and an owners' and trainers' reception.
A Teignbridge Council spokesman said: "Determining planning applications is a measured process which balances the needs of the economy, the area and the environment with technical planning guidance and local views.
"While we appreciate a refusal is almost never welcomed by an applicant, we do have to ensure developments are not harmful to the character of an area and that sufficient plans are in place to manage issues like traffic and air quality. This is for everyone's benefit.
"The applicants have the right to appeal this refusal and at an appeal we would hope to have more information on issues like road safety and air quality which may affect its likelihood of approval."
8 Comments
by Alan, Newton Abbot
Wednesday, July 07 2010, 10:19PM
“This decision is a disgrace. Newton Abbot is a growing vibrant town and the only people who seem to be able to see its potential are outside of the County. Come on planners- do the right thing and allow this hotel. Why commit us to the cost of an appeal? Instead of just refusing this application, why not put some positive suggestions about how it can succeed, because it is needed and the site is perfect. Or are you just looking for the additional fees that an appeal will bring your department.”
by Local, Kingsteignton
Wednesday, June 30 2010, 7:46AM
“I think its a good idea and would bring new jobs.
Whats wrong with the Council, this could be a way of solving the current problem by using a bit of Race Course land to change the roads which was never thought out when Tesco's came along.”
by ordinary person, n/a
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 6:17PM
“it looks ok to me for a premier hotel infact it looks similar to the race course venue and with tesco in front and a retail park down the road i cant see a problem n/abbot needs an affordable hotel and it wouldnt really effect passage hotel as there aim at different ends of the market and anyway they needsome compition to break there monopoly”
by Teign Girl, Teignmouth
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 5:22PM
“Horrible!”
by Teign Girl, Teignmouth
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 5:19PM
“Did they dredge that ghastly shed up from their imagination, or did they use a consultant? I would have chucked it out too.”
by BLOT SPOTTER, N.A.
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 4:13PM
“This is TEIGNBRIDGE PLANNING you seeing here.
Used to be if 'you cant do the job teach'
now it's 'work for Teignbridge Planners'.
Does that damned laundry blend in to its surroundings? Q.E.D.”
by Phil, Torquay
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 2:35PM
“The problem is that the planners have never had a coherent strategy for traffic management and road development for that part of Newton Abbot. Hence the traffic problems caused by the opening of the Tesco supermarket, and the other out of town shops on that road. Why has there never been an attempt to provide entry to the racecourse complex, and to the Brunel Road industrial estate directly off the A380? That is what continental countries would do, but we seem incapable of it.”
by ShakesHeadinDisbelief, Paignton
Tuesday, June 29 2010, 10:40AM
“Can't fathom this decision - the Council is concerned about traffic, pollution and aesthetic impact.
My unerstanding of Hotels is that generally, cars drive in of an evening, park up and then drive off the following morning - surely the traffic impact of 40-50 cars per day (probably less for much of the time) is negligible in relation to the volume of vehicles that use this road. From a pollution point of view, cars will still be using the road to get to other hotels (if not Kingsteignton or Newton Abbot, they will continue down the A380 to Torquay or Paignton), so no increase in pollution that I can see.
In terms of the aesthetic impact - what are the other buildings visible in this area - Tesco's, the filling station, Jewsons - this building is hardly going to drag the area down!
I wonder if some of the concerns (not voiced) by the council are the impact on trade for the likes of the Passage House and other local hotels? Just a thought!”