A legal challenge could halt plans for 100 new homes in Newton Abbot, raising concerns among local officials and residents.
Newton Abbot: There’s some drama brewing over a housing project in the town. A legal challenge is threatening to delay the construction of 100 new homes right in the center.
Conservationists are stepping in, asking Teignbridge Council to rethink their plan to demolish an old building on Bradley Lane. They’ve even filed for a judicial review, which is a big deal.
The building in question is Vicarys Mill, also known as the Launa Building. It’s been around since the 1700s but has seen better days. It’s empty now and has suffered quite a bit of vandalism. The council claims it costs a fortune just to keep it standing.
To fund the redevelopment, the council is looking at £2.4 million from the government’s Future High Streets fund. This money is leftover from a canceled cinema project, so they’re eager to use it.
But not everyone is on board. The Historic Buildings and Places organization has voiced serious concerns about tearing down buildings with historical significance. They argue that this site has milling roots dating back to the 13th century.
Cllr David Palethorpe, a local Lib Dem, emphasized how crucial Bradley Lane is for the town’s future. He mentioned that they’ve received the judicial review notice and it’s now with their legal team.
Time is of the essence, though. The government funding has a deadline of early 2025, and if they miss it, the whole project could be in jeopardy. So, there’s a lot riding on this!
