Plans to replace the cadet huts at the bottom of Bitton Park have been resubmitted to Teignbridge planners as Teignmouth Town Council attempts to accelerate the project.

Teignmouth Town Council wants to replace the existing four units, used by the scouts and cadets, with one block of six community workshops to provide additional youth facilities for the town

It also plans to install ten storage units, which it will rent out to subsidise the leasing costs for community groups using the workshops.

Teignmouth Town Council withdrew its initial planning application for the site in the spring after Teignbridge District Council repeatedly delayed a decision on the project. Teignmouth Town Council had complained that the goalposts were continually moved with multiple Teignbridge District Council conservation officers asking numerous questions and making additional demands.

Among the issues raised by conservation officers were: the proximity of the units to the Grade II* listed Bitton House; the inclusion of ten storage containers in the plans; and the requirement for a bat survey.

At the time of withdrawing the application, Teignmouth Town Council said it would ‘call in’ the new submission to avoid further conservation officer involvement. However, a Town Council Spokesperson said this was no longer an option.

The new planning application, which was submitted to Teignbridge District Council on August 19, contains some ‘slight tweaks’ to the original such as additional timber cladding on the storage units to address concerns over the units compromising the historic character of Bitton Park and Bitton House.

Teignmouth Town Council said it remains hopeful that Teignbridge will make a decision in the next eight weeks so work to progress the project can start before Christmas.

The site at the bottom of Bitton Park was set aside for the youth of the town under the previous Teignmouth Urban District Council.