TEIGNMOUTH town councillors have backed Simon Chalk's plea for more time to complete his Spirit of Teignmouth trimaran. Mr Chalk was originally due to remove the temporary boat-building shed from The Den six weeks after launch in September. But building delays have meant that he has now asked for an extra three months. At a closed doors meeting on Friday, the planning sub-committee agreed that Mr Chalk should be granted the extension. But members made it clear they want to see him gone by the end of February. Planning sub-committee chairman Cllr Sylvia Russsell said: 'We have reiterated that the 12-month period was not acceptable, but we have to have regard that he does hold a lease from the district council until March 31. 'He has all the rights under planning law to appeal if they try to get him out. The matter should be dealt with by Teignbridge Council executive.' Another factor in their thinking, she said, was the 'catastrophic' publicity if they turned him down. 'We are looking to attract the sailing fraternity. Teignmouth has very few hotels left now and we want to build on the sailing economy. There are several sailing events now and there's talk of a marina. 'We want people with capital to come and invest in Teignmouth and not to be put off by the sight of Simon Chalk having to leave the building with his boat unfinished because of all the feeling in the town.' She acknowledged that the decision was likely to be controversial, and said people would have the chance to air their views at the finance and general purposes committee on August 15.
