Issued: 5 December 2023

South Hams District Council would like to add some festive cheer to residents by offering free parking in local towns, for Christmas shopping and to support the high streets.

Visit Totnes, Modbury, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Dartmouth this holiday season and enjoy the festive atmosphere while shopping.

The FREE ALL DAY parking events are to be held on the following days, at:

• Modbury on Saturday 9 December
• Ivybridge on Saturday 9 December
• Totnes on Wednesday 13 December
• Dartmouth on Friday 15 December
• Kingsbridge on Saturday 16 December
• Salcombe on Saturday 16 December

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Services and Operations, Cllr Victor Abbott, said: “With Christmas being such an expensive time of the year, especially with the cost of living crisis, we would like to help to do something to ease the burden in some way for everyone. If we can encourage shoppers to the high street, it will help to support our local businesses.

“Please take advantage of the chance to park for free in our town centre car parks and enjoy the community festive atmosphere and Christmas lights.”

Issued: 1 December 2023

The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport has the potential to benefit residents in the South Hams – that’s the conclusion of a thorough review into the risks and opportunities of the project.

A report by an Audit and Governance group at South Hams District Council also made several recommendations to manage any possible risks.

Following an in-depth discussion at the Executive meeting today, Members considered the report and agreed to include it in an update of the Freeport to Full Council.

The review recognised the importance and scale of the projects as well as the positive impacts it would have for the region. South Hams Council, a founder member of the Freeport alongside Plymouth City and Devon County Council, will be focusing on improvements to the environment, the green economy with ethical, inclusive and sustainable opportunities for small businesses, and well-paid employment within the South Hams area of the Freeport.

The report acknowledged that concern had been expressed by some residents, therefore there is greater need for a programme of communication and engagement within the community.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, Councillor John Birch, said: “I am pleased with the findings of the Task and Finish Group who have delved very carefully into the financial implications if something were to go wrong with the investment into the Freeport, but also into the opportunities open to us as a council and a District.

“There are clear outcomes for collaborative working that will help not only our net zero ambitions, but also, importantly, the economy. This is our largest economic project for the South Hams – improving local skills and jobs in our communities. We need to remember this is a 25 year project and it is still in its infancy and we must play our part in its development.“We recognise that we need to explain clearly what we are doing and what this means for the South Hams. We understand that some residents may still have their doubts and we want to be open and transparent to show we are considering all the risks and opportunities of this project.”

To help residents understand more about the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, the Council has published answers to frequently asked questions. These can be found at www.southhams.gov.uk/pdas-freeport

The Audit and Governance Committee’s Task and Finish Group report can be found at: www.southhams.gov.uk/executive

30 November 2023

A public inquiry is to be held at Follaton House in Totnes on Tuesday 5 December 2023 with the Planning Inspectorate. Fastglobe (Mastics) Limited appealed the decisions by South Hams District Council to refuse two applications to re-develop the former Dairy Crest Site in Totnes.

As part of the planning for the appeal hearings, the Council has been in dialogue with Fastglobe’s representatives. After robust discussions agreement was reached that Fastglobe will withdraw their appeal against the Council’s refusal of planning permission for a mixed-use development that would have included 20 holiday lodges and a spa/concierge building.

During the appeal process, Fastglobe have also provided noise and ecological information that they had previously refused to provide, in support of their second planning application for a mixed-use development that included about 80 houses.

The failure to provide the information was the main reasons for the Council’s refusal of planning permission. The Council’s specialist advisors have following detailed assessment confirmed they are satisfied with the information that has now been provided. Therefore, the second appeal will now focus on the detail of the section 106 planning agreement. The Appeal will focus on how 30% affordable housing will be delivered and other financial contributions can be secured.

The agreement between the Council and Fastglobe has been recorded in a ‘Statement of Common Ground’ which has been sent to the Planning Inspectorate today. This agreement does not however stop Totnes Community Development Society from presenting its case to the inspector at the inquiry.

A South Hams District Council spokesperson said: “The Council is pleased Fastglobe has decided to withdraw the first of their appeals. The Council has always been convinced of the strength of its case.

“The provision of holiday lodges does not align with planning policy, nor does it reflect the Council’s hopes for the site or importantly, those of the local community. Nevertheless, the withdrawal of that appeal removes any risk of holiday lodges being found by the inspector to be acceptable and planning permission being granted.

“The Council is pleased that Fastglobe has finally provided the information that they have been requesting for over 12 months. This means the planning inspector can now focus on the real issues, namely the provision of 30% affordable housing and getting the financial contributions that are needed. Our residents can be confident that the Council will be putting forward strong arguments on both of these issues.

“The withdrawal of the first appeal and narrowing the issues on the second appeal at this stage, will allow Totnes Community Development Society more time for preparing its case. They can concentrate wholeheartedly on the matter at hand, without the distraction of having to prepare unnecessary information for the first appeal.”