Work begins on new traveller site - 04.12.13

acknowledgements to:
http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20665

Clearance work has started to create a safer and well managed permanent traveller site at Haldon Ridge.

The nine-month sensitively phased programme of construction work will create a 15-pitch site next door to the current and unauthorised traveller site. It follows years of work to find a suitable and healthy solution for site residents, nearby communities, the wider Haldon area and all local authorities.

The project will give those residents who want a pitch at the new site access to suitable utilities including toilets, showers, power, bin stores and recycling facilities.

It is due for completion in July 2014. Work involves ground and tree clearance, putting in utilities, creating pitches, clearing any debris and carefully returning the original site to its natural woodland state.

People who move on to the neighbouring new site will sign an agreement to lease a pitch, pay rent and Council Tax. A site manager will be employed by Teign Housing to deal with any issues if they arise.

Cllr Philip Vogel, Teignbridge District Council's Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning, said:

"All the hard work is paying off and we are pleased that work has started. It's been a long and sensitive process. There will be challenges ahead - as there always are when embarking on something new - but we are confident that, through working with the site's residents and all our partner agencies, we can create a safe and sustainable that meets people's needs."

Mike Hanrahan of Teign Housing said:

"We are looking forward to making a really good and well managed site for travellers. We hope that by seeing the site take shape, it will reassure the travellers and the public that this is the right way forward and that it will restore and enhance this area of Haldon forest."

The project has been supported by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), who have worked closely with partners and agreed an investment of around £1.1m in the new site.

Asad Butt, HCA Area Manager, said:

"We welcome the progress that has been made to start work on a new scheme for travellers in Haldon, whichwill provide improved accommodation for the people living at the current site.

"This investment is part of a wider programme that provides new and better accommodation for travellers across England. It is good news that partners have made positive steps to enable work to start."

The unauthorised site is on land owned by Devon County Council. It has long been considered unsuitable for those who live there, the local environment and surrounding communities. It will close on the day the new encampment opens.

Teignbridge and Devon County Council will work with residents who do not want to move to the new site to look at other housing options. If they remain on the unauthorised site after the closing date, enforcement action will be taken if necessary.

ENDS

Thank you in no particular order: HCA, Teign Housing, DCC, D&C Constabulary, Teignbridge Gypsy & Traveller Forum, Devon Racial Equality Council, current & former TDC Councillors, TDC Officers and especially Haldon residents.

December monthly update - A380 South Devon Link Road

http://www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk/sites/default/files/u40/DECEMBER%20BULLETIN.pdf

#HITS Homeless in Teignbridge Support

Attend presentation of a cheque to #HITS Homeless in Teignbridge Support by Cllr. Prowse Chair of Teignbridge District Council to Bob Newton Co-ordinator for £1000.oo in the Council Chamber at Forde House today.

Cllrs were given information about HITS - Homeless in Teignbridge Support is a local registered charity and a voluntary organisation that provides help for people within the Teignbridge area, (including Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh, Teignmouth, Dawlish and all of the out-lying rural and moorland Teignbridge areas), who are homeless or in crisis and need by the provision of food packs, toiletry packs and other assistance.

Since the start of the project in September 2012, in excess of 7 tonnes of food has been distributed within the local area.

Hits also operates a 'COATS FOR KIDS' scheme with Teignbridge District Council and Widecombe in the Moor Primary School, where good quality secondhand outdoor clothing is donated abd re-distributed to those that need.

Contact details: email: hitscharity@yahoo.com or 07990515125

Dawlish landlord fined £4,000 for unsafe home - 03.12.13

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20663

Council considers own homeless accommodation

With acknowledgements to the BBC:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-24889219

BUCKFASTLEIGH NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING REPORT OCTOBER 2013

BUCKFASTLEIGH NEIGHBOURHOOD REPORT OCTOBER 2013

During the month of October there have been 44 reported incidents to us from Buckfastleigh.

13 of these incidents were related to the duel carriageway.

There have been 7 crime reports from the town including:

4 Criminal Damages
2 Thefts of Pedal Cycle
1 Theft from Shop.

There has been no reported crime in the DEAN PRIOR area, nor in the SCORRITON AREA. There was only one reported crime in the HOLNE AREA.

Local police, with the assistance of policing students from Plymouth University, took to the streets to find out what issues were having a negative effect on people’s lives locally.  71 persons were canvassed door to door and on the street.  70% reported that they feel very safe and the rest that they feel fairly safe with only one person saying that they felt unsafe. 46% of persons asked reported that there were no issues which affect their quality of life locally. Of the remainder the main issues identified as being of local concern are anti-social behaviour from young people late at night, parking and traffic related problems. When asked what the police could do to make people feel safer, suggestions made were more police visibility specifically at weekends and in the evening. Other suggestions were improvements to street lighting and more to be provided for young people to do.

As part of a force-wide Speed awareness campaign, and in response to local concerns, speed monitoring was conducted at a location on Buckfast Road (by the Abbey roundabout). This was done at a time coinciding with the early morning school run to ascertain if there was a danger presented by vehicles to school children. Of those vehicles monitored the majority were driving within the speed limit. It appears that there is not a speeding issue in this location.

In response to concerns raised about the anti-social use of motorcycles in the town the police have launched an initiative to clampdown on this behaviour. Numerous individuals have been identified as responsible; these individuals have been subject of warnings under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, meaning that should they be witnessed by police driving in an antisocial manner in future the police may have a power to seize their motorcycles from them.  Further to this police have deployed a plain car and enlisted the assistance of the traffic motorcycle unit, to detect traffic offences and gather evidence about those responsible. So far two individuals have been reported to court for offences of not having valid MOT, not correctly displaying L Plates, having a defective exhaust and riding without a helmet. Police will continue to monitor this and actively prosecute those found in breach of the law, we will also be liaising with Teignbridge council in regards escalating those responsible on the anti-social behaviour process. We are currently arranging with the council to get the large gate into Victoria Park locked so as to prevent vehicular access

Police surgeries are held monthly at Buckfastleigh Town Hall, the next one being Wednesday 13th November at 7.30pm

We can be contacted via the central switchboard no. 101 or via e-mail – Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

PC 3023 WILLIAM YOUNG. And PCSO Tamzin Campbell Moseley

Beloved Community Hospital – We Must Not Lose IT

Regular readers will remember that the Communities of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh were very involved in responding to proposals from the Torbay and South Devon Health Care Trust about the closure of our Community Hospital after 125 years.

So it is with great pride for the League of Friends Team that I copy the email below............

Dear All

In August this year I ( as a member of the CHA) was invited to enter a Project  ( on behalf of our Hospital League of Friends) into the above Awards Scheme. This was done and the Project Title was “RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT” ( our battle with the Torbay and South Devon Health Care Trust  earlier this year).  I knew we were up against similar projects from across the country. We made the short list after which, I was visited by two members of the Selection Panel ( one from Somerset and one from Norwich). We chatted at length about our Hospital and then I took them on a short tour of same where they chatted with Staff and patients.

The end result is that I have just received a letter from the Chair of the Award Selection Panel stating that “we have been chosen to receive an Innovation and Best Practice Award.” Not too much detail as yet but the award ceremony will be in Manchester at the CHA conference in May next year.

This is marvellous news for all in the Community as a whole and those  directly involved in putting the Project content together( The Hospital Action Group, the League of Friends, The Council and  The Hospital to name but a few ).  I sincerely hope this will help act as a catalyst for the same Community who helped win this award, to regroup  for the oncoming Engagement processes being instigated by the local CCG next month.

To this end I would ask all addressees to spread this news around the Community as soon as possible and hopefully they will help us once again during  the new conflicts to come.

I will keep you informed of information as I receive it

Finally Well done to the Communities of Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and all those who constitute the Catchment Area  for our:-

Beloved Community Hospital – We Must Not Lose IT

Many thanks and best wishes to you all

Kind regards

Stewart Adams

Chair
Ashburton and Buckfastleigh
League of Friends

Talk Tourism in Teignbridge - 23.10.13

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=20600

Police Neighbourhood News Letter - September 2013

BUCKFASTLEIGH NEIGHBOURHOOD REPORT SEPTEMBER 2013

 

Over the last month there have been 48 incidents reported to us from Buckfastleigh.

 

There have been 13 incidents reported on the duel carriageway.

 

There have been 13 reports of crime from the town including:

 

5 Criminal Damages

2 Assaults

1 Burglary

2 Complaints about dogs

1 Possession of cannabis

1 Public Order offence

1 Communication offence.

 

Over the weekend of the 14^th and 15^th September there were a number of reports of anti social behaviour in the town centre into the early hours of the morning. Police attended and spoke to some of the individuals concerned who were warned about their behaviour and moved on from the area.

 

There have also been a number of reports of antisocial behaviour emanating from the playing fields at Duckspond Road, the individuals involved have as yet not been identified but police will continue to monitor this area and pay passing attention whilst on patrol.

 

In response to reports of anti-social behaviour NBM PC Young has approached the organiser of the PUBWATCH scheme with a view to reinitiating regular meetings. This has proved previously successful in identifying problematic individuals and banning them from licensed premises. Hopefully this will be back up and running in the next couple of months.

 

A number of reports have been submitted to the police licensing department with regards one of the pubs in town, the landlord of which has been reminded of his responsibilities to prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance. This situation will be carefully monitored by the local policing team and licensing department.

 

Added to this, to combat ASB late in the evenings response units from across South Devon have been tasked to direct their patrols towards BUCKFASTLEIGH to increase the late night police presence in the town.

 

The police have approached TEIGNBRIDGE COUNCIL about getting new signage in regards to the NO –DRINKING ZONE in Buckfastleigh. The council have agreed to put up 4 new signs. The police have also requested a sign banning motor vehicles from VICTORIA PARK. The council are arranging this.

 

There have been no crime reports from WEST BUCKFASTLEIGH during this time period.

 

Police surgeries are held monthly at Buckfastleigh Town Hall, the next one being Wednesday 13^th November at 7.30pm

 

We can be contacted via the central switchboard no. 101 or via e-mail – Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

 

PC 3023 WILLIAM YOUNG.

 

 

Ashburton and Widecombe Police Reports - September 2013

ASHBURTON NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE REPORT SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013

 

In Ashburton 80 incidents were reported. 18 of these concerned the A38. A further 8 were traffic related incidents in the Town itself including 3 reports of congestion in North Street caused by inconsiderate parking.

10 crimes were recorded. They included-

4 offences of criminal damage, 2 of these were to cars parked in Dolbeare Road.

3 offences of common assault

1 burglary – the contents of a handbag were stolen from a shop on North Street on 14^thSeptember.

A 13 yr old boy was dealt with for assaulting his mother. Town Centre CCTV also assisted in the identification of a 31yr old female who caused damage to window boxes outside a pub on 21^st September.

 

In Widecombe 4 incidents were reported. These included a report of a dog attacking another dog at Widecombe Fair and a report of lost walkers near Newbridge on 17^thSeptember. The walkers made their own way back to their car just prior to the Dartmoor Rescue Group being called out.

1 crime was reported.

 

In Bickington 6 incidents were reported. These included a report of dangerous driving on the A383 as a car followed close behind an ambulance during a “blue-light run”. A non-injury traffic collision also took place on the A383 on 27^th September.

No crimes were reported.

 

PCSO Carolyn Studd has now left Ashburton. She is currently training to be a Police Constable and will eventually serve in Torquay. Positive news is that we now have an additional Police Constable on the Neighbourhood Team at Ashburton. PC Will Young is the new local officer for Buckfastleigh.

 

My next Police surgeries are at the Ashburton Information Centre from 10-11 am on Tuesday 22^nd October and Tuesday 26^th November. I can be contacted at Conway House, Ashburton via the central no. of 101. Alternatively the totally confidential Crimestoppers no. 0800 555111 can be used to pass information to the Police. The Neighbourhood Team can also be contacted by e-mail –Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

 

 

                                                                                           PC 4486 Andrew Dudley

 

Housing Policy Changes

A random thought about the Teignbridge District Council Homes Policy Changes. 

Back in the Land in Hand Trust Days, it was always an ambition to get rural affordable housing allocations for those who work or volunteered in their community and were basic to fabric of that community acknowledged. 

This criteria has now been acknowledged, and should enable Communities and their Community Land Trusts to be more flexible and retain their key workers.

Teignbridge District Council Press Release - Homes Policy Changes

Press Release – homes policy changes

Changes have been made to the way social housing is allocated in Teignbridge.

On Tuesday 30 July, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive approved a series of amendments to its social housing allocation policy.

The changes, which come into effective on 1 April 2014, are aimed at creating a fairer system while giving people access to the most suitable housing advice and support that is right for them, especially in more rural areas. It will also provide the council with greater flexibilities so those who are on the housing waiting list stand a better chance of getting the home they want. 

Allocation policies used to be subject to tight legislative requirements which gave little room for local authorities to be flexible but the Localism Act relaxed the rules and, as a result, Teignbridge decided to make some changes so it could make the system fairer and more effective on a local level.

In this instance Teignbridge is changing the way it deals with applicants for Devon Home Choice which is the housing register for Devon. It is the process people use to look and apply for social housing. It has different bands from A-E with A classed as ‘Emergency Housing Need’ and E is ‘No Housing Need’.

With a few exceptions, anyone over 16 can register for housing. People generally apply to join the housing list online and it takes about 20 working days to process the information. Available properties are then advertised and people on the list can bid for up to three homes at a time. This means a lot resources goes into processing information that isn’t helping people get into social housing. The policy amendments will help prevent that.

From next April, Band E applicants will be removed from the register and only those applicants in Bands A-D will be eligible for social housing. Teignbridge is also introducing a new category of need for ‘community contribution’. The amendment will allow those who have been working, or volunteering, in a rural area for a minimum of one year prior to their application to be placed in Band D for housing in that area if they have no other housing need.

Teignbridge is the first council in Devon to make this change to their housing policy. Although other larger authorities in other parts of the county have introduced a community contribution category to their allocation policy, Teignbridge is one of the first to make this happen for its rural communities.

Teignbridge District Council’s Leader Cllr Jeremy Christophers said:

“There is an greater pressure on providing suitable housing, including social, and priority needs to be given to those who are most in need. Our changes are aimed at making sure this happens, rather than encouraging false hope and large waiting lists.

“We’re the first to introduce a new category of need for ‘community contribution’. This amendment means that applicants living in rural communities who have worked either paid or unpaid in employment for 12 months or more locally will be eligible for Band D placement. This is a really important proposal because it will help residents who need it but will help us meet the aspirations for providing rural affordable housing schemes through Community Land Trusts.

“I’ve always said housing is a priority and hopefully this will go a long way in proving that. Being able to help people into the right homes for them – or give them the right support and assistance – will make an immense different to their health, happiness, quality of life and it will make the system a lot fairer and more effective.”

At the same time the changes will compliment a lot of the other work the Council is doing to help give people the right houses for them. This includes careful development of new housing in rural areas to create sustainable communities, self build, working with parish councils to complete rural housing need surveys.

Allowances will be made so Band E applicants can reapply if their needs change or they can ask for a review of their application if they are unhappy with Teignbridge’s decision not to allow them to register.

In addition Teignbridge’s Housing Services team will put in place an action plan so any affected applicants are offered advice and support on their housing options before they are removed from the register.

There are a range of options open to them such as shared ownership, shared equity and the Government’s FirstBuy scheme. Last year Teignbridge also helped 284 applicants into the private rented sector with loan guarantees and money advice.

The changes were made after the council asked people for their views with results revealing overwhelming public support to implement the changes.

ENDS

Ashburton Rural Areas Neighbourhood Report June 2013

There have been a total of 23 incidents reported to us from the rural areas surrounding Ashburton.

 

Bickington

 

We had 1 report of a domestic incident which was resolved peacefully, three traffic related reports, none of which resulted in any injuries.

There were also two false 999 calls originating from Bickington, thankfully these were made in error.

 

Woodland, and Buckland in the Moor

 

Have reported no crimes or incidents to us in the last month.

 

Widecombe and South Dartmoor

 

We have had a total of 17 reports from this area. 8 of these are traffic incidents, again thankfully no one was injured in any of these.

1 potential rave was reported to us, the rave itself did not occur but we remain vigilant for these events.

3 suspicious vehicles were  also called in to us, all three were checked eventually and found to either not have committed any offences, or were simply lost.

 

2 other miscellaneous incidents were reported to us during June.

 

There were three calls regarding concerns for people’s welfare, two of which were not serious in the end. However, there was a serious incident at Spitchwick Common, involving an injury resulting from a fall onto some of the rocks at the Common. 3 specialist off road ambulances attended as well as Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. The injured person was eventually air lifted by helicopter to Derriford hospital
Thankfully the injuries sustained were not life threatening and they are making a good recovery.

We would like to remind you that Spitchwick Common gets extremely busy during the warm weather and that parking is very limited there.  We would also request that all litter is taken away with you after your stay.

 

 

Police surgeries will be held at the Community Hall in Ashburton, the next one being  13^th of August 2013

 

We can be contacted via the central switchboard no. 101 or via e-mail – Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

PC 14486 Andrew Dudley, PCSO 30596 Ben Cattrall

 

 

DEVON AND CORNWALL CONSTABULARY

From:

PC 4486 DUDLEY

To:

ASHBURTON TOWN COUNCIL

CONWAY HOUSE

THE TOWN HALL

ASHBURTON

ASHBURTON

Tel No:

101

Ref.:

Your Ref.:

Date:

09 July 2013

Subject:

POLICE REPORT 12TH JUNE-9TH JULY 2013

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to update you on Policing matters in the town during the last month.

88 incidents were reported. 18 of these concerned the A38 and a further 10 were traffic related incidents in the town itself. Two reports of anti-social behaviour were received. We have also had 6 reports of young people using the swimming pool in Love Lane after hours. This is often in the early hours of the morning, much to the inconvenience of the nearby residents.

11 crimes were recorded. They included-

3 thefts

3 offences of criminal damage

3 common assaults

No burglaries were reported.

Arrests made include that  of a 26yr old male who assaulted a male in North Street and stole from the Spar on Wednesday 3^rd July. He has been charged to court with conditions not to enter the town centre.

Carnival week went very well from our point of view. Extra Policing on the evening of the Town Party helped to keep anti-social behaviour to a minimum. However, officers did have to deal with a number of confrontations between adults in the town centre in the early hours of the morning.

My next Police Surgery at the Information Centre is from 10-11am on Tuesday 13^th August.

I can be contacted at Conway House via the central no. 101 or via e-mail –Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively the totally confidential Crimestoppers no. 0800 555111 can be used to pass information to the Police.

                                                                                      PC 4486 Dudley

 

 

 

Content thanks to D&C Constabulary

Coming to South Devon for a holiday this Summer?

Visit dartmoor National Park. Check out the website:

http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/

Dartmoor National Park Local Development Framework: Adoption of the Development Management and Delivery Development Plan Documen

Your ref: 

Please quote: SB/13/16

Tel: 01626 832093

E-mail: sbelli@dartmoor.gov.uk

9 July 2013

Dear Parish Clerk

Dartmoor National Park Local Development Framework:

Adoption of the Development Management and Delivery Development Plan Document 

Copy of a letter from Director of Planning dartmoor National Park to Parish Clerks:

Dartmoor National Park Authority adopted its Development Management and Delivery Development Plan Document (DMD) on Friday 5 July 2013. 

The DMD provides the more detailed development management policies, proposals and site allocations needed to support the already adopted Core Strategy to guide land use planning in Dartmoor in the period up to 2026. 

The final version of the DMD has yet to be published. However, a words only version of the final document is accessible on the Authority’s website www.dartmoor.gov.uk/dmd, where you can also find the Policies Map updates and other information needed to apply the adopted policies and proposals of the DMD. The DMD website page also contains a link to the Inspector’s Report.

I will ensure that you receive two copies of the paper version of the final document as soon as they are available.

Yours sincerely

Stephen Belli

Director of Planning

Whitecleeves Quarry Appeal Enquiry

I was given leave to address the Inspector of the Whitecleeves Quarry Appeal Enquiry yesterday evening and for the sake of verisimilitude I reproduce my statement below. All parties to the Appeal were given copies by the Inspector prior to my speaking:

'I address this Enquiry as one of the three Teignbridge District Councillors for the Ashburton Buckfastleigh Ward and in no other capacity.

My presentation is to ..respectfully bring to the Inspector's attention when deciding on the weight and balance to give to the evidence being presented to the Enquiry, that he may wish to consider in his deliberations the Rotary Four Way Test;

Is it the Truth;

Is it Fair to all concerned;

Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships;

Will it be beneficial to all concerned.'

July monthly update - A380 South Devon Link Road

Please find attached the July edition of the South Devon Link Road monthly update.

These newsletters are produced on a monthly basis to ensure you are kept as informed as possible.  We’ve also uploaded the update to our website here:

http://www.southdevonlinkroad.co.uk/sites/default/files/u40/July%20monthly%20bulletin%20-%20Galliford%20Try.pdf

Thanks to 

The Public Liaison Officer for Galliford Try, the contractor appointed to build the SDLR, is Tracey Waygood.  Should you have any questions please email her at A380.SDLR@gallifordtry.co.uk.

BUCKFASTLEIGH Neighbourhood Report June 2013

Over the past month there have been 36 incidents reported to us fromBuckfastleigh.

 

18 Crimes reported from the town which include:-

 

4 Domestic related incidents

1 Criminal damage to property

1 Criminal damage to vehicle

5 Thefts

4 Assaults

1 Complaint re dogs

2 Burglaries

 

In April’s newsletter we reported that 8 vehicles had been damaged in the area of Elmbank in Buckfastleigh. A witness reported seeing 2 young boys aged between aged between 8 and 11 years scratching cars. 2 local boys to the area have been identified and spoken to by Police. This has been dealt with by way of a Restorative Process.

 

Work is still ongoing in relation to nuisance motorbikes. On 26^th June we received a call regarding nuisance bikes in the area of Bilberry Hill. As a result of a road relate offence the bike was seized. The rider had already received a Section 59 warning from Police in April 2013.

 

No crimes were reported to us from the Dean Prior area. 

 

We have received 2 reports concerning a bright green Kawasaki mini motorbike with a distinctive number “10” on the side being ridden on the roads around Buckfastleigh. This bike has no number plates and the rider would not be able to obtain insurance for the vehicle and should not be ridden on public roads. If seen please call 101.

 

From the West Buckfastleigh area we have had 0 crimes reported to us.  There were 4 incidents reported 2 which were animal related. 1 threat via E-bay and 1 confused vulnerable male.

 

Police surgeries will be held at Buckfastleigh Town Hall, the next one being Wednesday 17^th July at 7.30pm

 

We can be contacted via the central switchboard no. 101 or via e-mail –Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

 

PCSO 30577 Tamzin CAMPBELL-MOSELEY

 

 

 Thanks to D&C Police for this

Traveller Site Haldon Ridge

At today's Teignbridge District Council Executive it was resolved that:

a) That the Council proceed with the proposal.


b) That the Business Lead for Housing and Health, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be authorised to approve the terms of the agreement for the provision and use of the site, including, the financial contributions and safeguards and the needs criteria and priorities which would attach to the allocation of the pitches, with priorities for applicants with local connections to Teignbridge, families with children, applicants under Devon Home Choice and residents of Devon, following a meeting with Teign Housing, the HCA and Devon County Council.

A full TDC Press Release will be available on the TDC website in due course

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17322

Teignbridge District Council Live Consultations

TDC have a web page dedicated to on-going `Live Copnsultations' that residents may be interested in, or indeed take part in.

Go to:

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13304

Press Release - funding boost to tackle homelessness and empty homes blight

acknowledgements:

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17306

Homeless people in Teignbridge are being given the chance to live in their own home after Teignbridge District Council gained a £100,000 Government funding boost.

Teignbridge has been given the Empty Homes Programme funding by the Homes and Communities Agency to bring empty homes back into use as affordable properties.

Teignbridge was one of 10 authorities in the South West to benefit from the funding announced by Communities Minister Don Foster today (Thursday June 20).

The council's housing team will be working with private sector landlords to bring empty homes and commercial premises into use as affordable housing by the end of March 2015. The scheme will enable Teignbridge to provide grants to developers in return for a leasing arrangement which will enable them to let property to homeless people at affordable rents.

So far properties in Teignmouth, Dawlish, Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton are earmarked for refurbishment.

Empty premises can be a wasted resource at a time when there is a shortage of affordable housing and high numbers of people in housing need. Every empty property which can be brought back into use could house someone who needs a home.

Councillor Philip Vogel, Teignbridge District Council's Executive Spokesperson for Housing and Planning, said:

"We are delighted with this Government funding. It will enable us to keep working in partnership with the private sector to bring empty property back into use as affordable housing to meet the needs of our community.

"This funding will enable us to provide grants to developers in return for a leasing arrangement which will enable them to let property to homeless people at affordable rents.

"We've already done a lot of work to tackle empty homes across the district and it's had a really positive effect on our communities.

"Teignbridge consults with all owners of empty properties to find out what it can do to encourage their reuse and owners' responses help assist in prioritising cases. Sometimes properties remain unoccupied because of a lack of funds for refurbishment works or due to difficulty letting and in these cases we are often able to offer low interest rate loans and small grants to assist in making properties ready for reoccupation.

 "We can also assist with tenant finding and offer a private sector lease scheme. On occasions houses are simply neglected which can lead to issues such as anti-social behaviour, fall into disrepair, gardens become overgrown or cause a nuisance to neighbouring residents.

"On other occasions, owners of empty properties may be inexperienced landlords. We do our best to help each case and this money from the HCA is going to help us carry out even more work on providing affordable homes and reducing the blight caused by empty homes."

The funding is being allocated under two programmes:

· £61m from the second round of the Empty Homes funding programme, provided to successful bidders eligible from all areas across England (except London, which will be announced separately) with empty homes.  Around two thirds of this (£41m) is allocated by the Homes and Communities Agency to registered social landlords; and the remaining money to community and voluntary groups. Together the 187 successful organisations will bring around 3,200 extra homes back into use.

· £30m second year award of Clusters of Empty Homes programme funding for twenty partnerships in areas of acute problems such as Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Middlesbrough which will bring around 3,500 homes back into use.

Announcing the funding, Mr Foster said:

"The government is doing everything possible to tackle the problem of empty homes and urban blight.  Today I'm announcing we're going to do even more, with towns across England benefiting from £91m to refurbish over 6,000 empty properties to get them back into use.  This will bring people; shops and jobs back to once abandoned areas, and provide extra affordable homes we so badly need.

"We have already made very good progress, cutting the number of long term empty homes by 40,000 but with thousands of people in this country desperate to buy a home and areas still suffering problems of urban blight we must go further still."

 Andy Rose, Homes and Communities Agency chief executive, said:

"We had a very encouraging response to the funding across a wide range of types of property. This demonstrates a strong appetite and scope for bringing empty homes and properties back into use, which will help to reinvigorate our communities and towns. We look forward to working with housing providers to bring these homes forward."

The other areas in the South West to receive funding are:

Bath and North East Somerset - £119,000 (10 homes)

Bristol - £73,395 (4 homes)

Gloucester - £590,000 (16 homes)

Isles of Scilly - £286,750 (2 homes)

Mendip - £800,000 (21 homes)

Plymouth - £660,000 (30 homes)

South Gloucestershire - £773,395 (4 homes)

West Somerset - £1.063m (36 homes)

Wiltshire - £73,395 (4 homes)

Plan Teignbridge in hands of Inspectorate

Acknowledgements:

http://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17304

An emmotional statement:

Teignbridge District Council has submitted its 20-year homes, jobs and environment blueprint to an independent Government Inspector.

After years of work with local people, communities, partner organisations and authorities and potential developers, Teignbridge has today (Thursday June 20 2013) submitted its Local Plan - commonly known as Plan Teignbridge - to the inspector for public scrutiny.

The important document - which sets the tone for the long-term economic success of the district - is expected to be the subject of a public examination in October, if not earlier. The Inspector, appointed by the Government, will look at all the evidence and comments before declaring if the Plan is 'sound' and fit for adoption.

Plan Teignbridge 2013-2033 sets out a vision to deliver jobs and homes where they are most needed, gives communities a say in how their neighbourhoods are developed and give places even better leisure and recreation opportunities.

The plan will help fulfil communities' aspirations for the infrastructure they need including schools, play areas and good road links. It aims to do all this while respecting and protecting the unique local environment.

Over the course of its life Plan Teignbridge's proposals aim to provide:

· At least 12,400 homes across the district covering affordable homes, self build and open market

· 68 hectares of land for employment use

· 11,000m2 of shopping space in Newton Abbot

· More cycle routes and other green transport options

· Improved environment and wildlife habitat protections for bats (including the very rare greater horseshoe bats), dormice and slow worms

· Safeguarding green spaces - known as Undeveloped Coast - between coastal communities

· Increasing and protecting strategic breaks around Abbotskerswell, space between Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot, and Exminster and Exeter

Without an up-to-date plan in place, Teignbridge is vulnerable to unplanned development and may not be able to bring in further much-needed funding.

To get to this stage, Plan Teignbridge went through the biggest public consultation ever carried out across the district. The Council ran 12 drop-in events, took part in over 50 mobile library visits, attended over 30 local meetings and talked to more than 3,000 local residents.

A further six-week consultation period allowed people to make comments on the plan's 'soundness' directly to the Inspector.

The original submission date, planned for February, was deferred so it could be submitted alongside the Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) document, which sets out the charging schedule for the new levy. CIL is important because it means local authorities can charge on new developments to help fund infrastructure for local communities including roads, parks, employment sites, education and sports and health centres.

The deferral allowed time to resolve outstanding issues on its Habitat Regulations Assessment - a legal requirement for submission - to satisfy further comments from Natural England and for additional discussions Torbay Council under the legal 'duty to cooperate' requirements.

All that work has been successfully completed.

A Planning Inspector will now be appointed and will consider the Local Plan, and the same person will act as Examiner for the Community Infrastructure Levy. 

Cllr Philip Vogel said:

"We've been working with lots of organisations - nationally and locally - alongside community groups and residents to make sure Teignbridge has a plan for the future. Today marks an important point in the plan's progression.

"We want to make sure people are able to live and work in Teignbridge for many years to come and we want to provide a clear guide for where development can and can't go.

"This is another step in the right direction towards that goal. We've tried to get the balance right and it's not always been easy, but we think we've balanced the conflicting views about the area's future and its needs, against all the evidence and facts."

Once appointed, the Inspector/Examiner will organise the hearings into the submitted documents, and all of those who have made formal representations will be notified of the relevant details. There will be at least six weeks' notice of the opening day of the hearings.

As part of the plan process, Teignbridge has appointed Lisa Edwards to be its Programme Officer. Lisa will act as the independent liaison between the Planning Inspector, the Local Planning Authority and other interested people. 

Her email address is programmeofficer@teignbridge.gov.uk and she can be contacted about issues related to the examination.

As with every stage of forming the plan, all documents can be viewed online atwww.teignbridge.gov.uk/planteignbridge

This is what it looked like:

BUCKFASTLEIGH Neighbourhood Report May 2013

 

Over the past month there have been 50 incidents reported to us from Buckfastleigh.

 

20 crimes reported from the town which include:-

 

2 Criminal damage to property and 1 to a vehicle.

1  case of Harassment and 1 assault.

1 Burglary was reported to us.

3 incidents of shoplifting were reported of which 2 were linked to the same 3 individuals from Torquay.  All 3 persons were arrested and have been interviewed for the offence.

 

In April two acts of criminal damage were reported at South Devon Railway to train carriages. A local 17 year old youth was identified and given a youth caution for the offence.

 

There have been 2 reports of suspicious vehicles in the area which has raised concerns within the community. 1 a Red VW Golf contained a male who was homeless and sleeping in his car. He was spoken to by Police and leaft the area and has not been seen since. The other was a White Transit van. This registered keeper was from out of the area visiting friends but checks were made with Gloucester Police. There were no offences and this vehicle has left the area.

 

Several reports have been received in relation to nuisance motorbikes. A second rider has been issued a Section 59 Warning for riding elsewhere other than road. If the manner of riding continues we will look to seize the vehicle. Another report of an unroadworthy moped being ridden around the town was received and this was discovered abandoned in a local car park. It has been removed by the council as deemed a danger to the public.

 

From West Buckfastleigh we have had no crimes in the area. 1 incident has been reported which was in relation of a dispute with a neighbour.

 

1 Theft from Vehicle was reported from the Bench Tor Car Park in the Holne area. It would appear that the registered keeper of the vehicle was from Oxfordshire visiting the area and had left valuable items had been left on display in the car.

 

Police surgeries will be held at Buckfastleigh Town Hall, the next one being Wednesday 12^th June at 7.30pm

 

We can be contacted via the central switchboard no. 101 or via e-mail –Teignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

 

PCSO 30577 Tamzin CAMPBELL-MOSELEY

PC Andy Dudley

A380 South Devon Link Road (SDLR)

Further up date I have received

A380 South Devon Link Road (SDLR)
North Section news update
Piling rigs information
The South Devon Link Road project has now reached the stage where we are able to mobilise piling
rigs at the junctions of St Luke’s Road and Aller Park along the A380. Two rigs are due on site the
week commencing 27th May. These rigs are being used to drill depths down to 10m to allow the
installation of concrete piles which will act as retaining walls.
The work is scheduled to take between four and six weeks to complete. During this time the
machinery will be in operation between 08.00 and 18.00. To minimise as much of the noise and
vibration as possible we are using the quieter type of equipment which drills rather than using a
hammering action.
Unfortunately this will not remove all of the noise, so we have leafleted the areas concerned
apologising to residents in advance for any remaining disturbance or inconvenience the drilling may
cause them, and asking for their patience while this work takes place.
Penn Inn bus stop
A recent incident took place involving the South West Water water main at Penn Inn which forced the
closure of the bus stop at Penn Inn roundabout, Torquay bound.
May Gurney and South West Water are continuing to work in the area to repair the main.
The bus stop is due to reopen w/c 10th June. In the meantime Galliford Try has erected signage
advising passengers of this temporary closure.
Contact us
If you would like further information about the rigs, the bus stop or any other aspect of the SDLR
project please contact the Galliford Try public liaison team Tracey Waygood and Patrick Beasley on
01626 357729 or 01626 233019 or email A380.SDLR@gallifordtry.co.uk

Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund – grants available for 2013/14

This will be of interest to those who are thinking about projects on the Moor with relevance to Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Travel and Young People.

Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund – grants available for 2013/14

Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) is pleased to announce further funding through the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund (DSDF) for 2013/14.

The aim of the DSDF is to aid the achievement of National Park purposes by encouraging individuals, community groups and businesses to develop practical, local projects that develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living, which enhance and conserve local culture, wildlife, landscape, land use or community. The key priorities for this year are Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Travel and Young People. However, applications are still welcome from projects which meet the wider environmental, social or economic DSDF criteria.

Projects need to be located within Dartmoor National Park. In exceptional circumstances applications will be considered from outside the area if they are able to demonstrate a clear benefit to Dartmoor National Park.

The DSDF will not fund capital energy efficiency or renewable energy works that could receive funding through other sources such as the Green Deal, Feed-in-Tariff or Renewable Heat Incentive.

In 2013/14 there is a  total of £100,000 available. For projects asking for less than £2000 of support, then decisions are made by a delegated process, normally within a month, with approval from the DNPA Director of Conservation and Communities. Applications for greater than £2000 will be asked to present their project to the DSDF panel which will be meeting on Friday July 12^th 2013, Friday November 22^nd 2013 and Friday March 14^th 2014.

To be considered at the first panel meeting on July 12^th applicants are asked to have discussed their project with me and completed their application form by Tuesday 25^th June.

For further details including grant criteria, next steps and application information visithttp://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/DSDF

Please do give me a call or email me if you have any questions or would like to discuss your project.

Best wishes,

Ruth

Ruth Leonard-Williams

Sustainable Development Officer (Mon-Wed)

Dartmoor National Park Authority

Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot TQ13 9JQ

Tel: 01626 832093

This land is your land, this land is my land, this land is Dartmoor

An exciting future for Chuley Road, Ashburton

Dartmoor National Park Authority, working with Teignbridge District Council has commissioned a masterplan for the Chuley Road site in Ashburton. Award winning design practice BDP has been appointed to produce the masterplan, drawing on their unrivalled experience and expertise in delivering successful masterplans and engaging with local communities.

The link to the full Press Release can be found at:
http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/aboutus/news/au-_partnershipnews/an-exciting-future-for-chuley-road,-ashburton

The link to the DNPA FaceBook page is
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashburton-Masterplan/129076540623522