Verdict due on controversial golf club homes development plan
THE controversial scheme to build new housing at Churston Golf Club will be discussed by planning councillors on Monday.
Residents opposed to the erection of dozens of the new houses remain 'rock solid opposed to the scheme'.
Their statement of intent comes as developer Bloor Homes is seeking outline planning approval for the scheme for 90 dwellings on the site of the first and 18th hole, along with a 42-bedroom extra care home and an area of public open space.
Planning consent is also being sought by the golf club to change the use of the agricultural land to build a new clubhouse, storage facilities and access road.
c/w drapes,rod, mattress,bumper and bedding
Terms: order service only deposit required
Contact: 01803 221105
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Despite the considerable opposition to the plan from local residents and community partnerships, the scheme is recommended for conditional approval subject to acceptable section 106 agreement.
Conditional approval is also recommended for the second application subject to further advice from the council's solicitor, ecology consultant and senior transport planner, and a section 106 agreement.
Geoff Melbourne, chairman of RAGS, said the group would fight against the proposal till the end and remained committed to do so.
Mr Melbourne said: "We will be attending the meeting and speak against it.
"Members of RAGS and the community partnerships still oppose this proposal. We're still rock solid against it."
The community partnerships and RAGS have together recently submitted a number of reports covering matters such as planning, ecology, highways, economic impact, environmental impacts and assessment of the viability of the existing and proposed golf clubs, impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty and alternative approaches.
They believe it could prejudice the emerging Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan which includes not only Brixham but Galmpton, Churston and Broadsands.
If approved, the housing proposal would include three distinct character areas including a 'village quarter' based on Churston Ferrers and Galmpton, a 'tree lined avenue' based on the surrounding area of Broadsands and a 'Country Lane' based on Bascombe Road. The village quarter would feel more urban.
The extra care facility would be located in the south west corner of the site adjacent to Dartmouth Road and the railway.
An area of public open space would provide a buffer between the extra care home and the residential development.
Developers said 50 per cent would be provided as social rented and 50 per cent as shared equity. A communal lounge and restaurant would be provided within the building. Almost 1,200 representations have been received by the council regarding the scheme with almost three quarters of those opposing the project.
Supporters of the scheme said it will create more houses in an area where there is a shortage.
They also said it would make a good use of land not suited to any other activity, create more jobs and will ensure the survival of the golf club.
The two planning applications will be debated on Monday at 2pm at Oldway Mansion in Paignton.
Comments