COUNCILLORS IN Teignmouth have thrown their weight behind a scheme to redevelop the Riverside Boatyard site on Bishopsteignton Road.

The project proposed by Teignmouth Maritime Properties Ltd (TMP) would keep marine activities at its heart but existing buildings and structures would be demolished and replaced with a mix of new homes, beach hut holiday accommodation, industrial units, offices and community space.

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.

All dwellings would be constructed on stilts to avoid flooding and the materials used chosen to withstand the tidal environment.

Two years ago, a bid to develop the site was thrown out by Teignbridge Council on several grounds including design and lack of information.

Now TMP has said that extensive consultation with district planning officers, objectors, community groups and others had overcome the concerns.

The application stated: ‘The Riverside Boatyard regeneration project aims to transform an underutilised industrial site into a vibrant, sustainable and community-focused development, significantly enhancing the economic and social fabric of Teignmouth.’

At a meeting of Teignmouth Town Council’s Planning Committee, members voted unanimously not to oppose the scheme.

TMP agent Matt Slater told the meeting his client had gone ‘over and above’ many of the demands made by TDC and the scheme before members was the next phase in the site’s 200-year boatbuilding history.

Formerly a gasworks, the boatyard was acquired by TMP in 2018 and currently provides boat storage, mooring, maintenance servicing and repairs.

Chairman Cllr Dan Comer said: ‘This really tidies up the site. I do think it will be good for the town, it’s not used to its full potential at the moment.’

Cllr Robert Phipps was particularly impressed with measures to keep contaminated soil from entering the River Teign.

He said: ‘I think it’s brilliant, a great thing for Teignmouth to get this private investment.’

The town council’s comments will go to Teignbridge Council where a final decision could be taken by planners later this year.