Plans for a major regeneration of a Teignmouth Boatyard have been scuppered for a second time.

Teignbridge District Council (TDC) has today (September 23) refused planning permission to redevelop the Riverside Boatyard site on Bishopsteignton Road.

Planners cited ecological concerns relating to blue mussel beds, flood risks and water quality for turning the proposal down.

The project proposed by local firm Teignmouth Maritime Properties Ltd (TMP) would have seen the development of enhanced boatyard facilities along with the construction of new homes, beach hut holiday accommodation, industrial units, offices and community space.

The plans were aimed at transforming an underused site into a vibrant, sustainable and community-focused development aimed at enhancing the economic and social fabric of Teignmouth.

A previous planning application to develop the site was turned down by Teignbridge District Council three years ago amid concerns the size and design of the buildings would detract from the landscape.

Since then, TMP and its design team at MJS Planning and Design, have worked closely with Teignbridge planning offers, engaged a heritage consultant and landscape architect, run the scheme past a design review panel, consulted with local businesses, charities and community groups and held an open event to get public feedback.

The new scheme is significantly smaller with fewer houses and beach huts and better aligned with the site’s historic footprint, explained Matt Slader director of MJS Planning and Design.

The proposed project includes a footpath between Riverside and Polly Steps, which would form part of the Teign Estuary Trail for cyclists and walkers. The scheme would also ensure that contaminated soil from the gas works that once occupied the site would be contained within a specially constructed bund, preventing pollution of the adjacent River Teign. Flooding concerns were adddressed by ensuring all dwellings would be constructed on stilts using materials used chosen to withstand the tidal environment.

The plans had received the unanimous backing of Teignmouth Town Council’s planning committee in the summer with town councillors confident that the development would improve the site and benefit the town.

When Teignbridge turned down the earlier application, Teignmouth Town Council took the unusual step of contacting Pete Stenner from TMP to urge him to continue with the project. Town councillors said the refusal was seen as a decision taken by ‘district councillors who do not have an interest in our town’.

Formerly a gasworks, the Riverside Boatyard was acquired by Teignmouth Maritime Properties in 2018. The site currently provides boat storage, mooring, maintenance servicing and repairs.