Dear Supporters

We were very disappointed and saddened to hear East Devon District Council planners have decided in favour of the campsite owners to allow the removal of the seasonal status at Salcombe Regis Caravan Park. 

EDDC decided that the application could be determined by a planning officer under 'delegated powers', rather than being referred to a Planning Committee for full public scrutiny. This is despite opposition from the Parish Council, the residents of the village, over 570 signatories in this petition and the many compelling reasons for objection put forward.

Unfortunately the planning officer concluded that on balance, the ‘All Season’ tourism policy was more important than all the other opposing factors.

This means that the owners of the site can now proceed with their plans to install the initial 9 luxury lodges along the perimeter of the site to be used as second homes with all-year access. It marks the end of the seasonal status of the site that had been in place since the site started up in 1960.

I know this will come as very disappointing news for many people who did their best to try and protect the village they love but it unfortunately seems that well-resourced developers have won the day over influencing the under-resourced decision makers.  

We are still awaiting the decision of a second connected ‘variation’ application to a permission granted in 2011 (24/2279/VAR). This is to site an additional 12 static caravans/ lodges on amenity land next to the other 9 lodges. The council had previously stated that 'there was no evidence the permission was implemented’ before the permission expired in 2014. There are also other legal arguments that challenge the legitimacy of the application and so we await to hear the decision of the planners if this application should be rejected in favour of a fresh planning application that would be open to full public scrutiny.

We will keep you updated.

Thanks again for your support.