A MULTI-USE games area for All Saints (Marsh) Primary School in Osborne Park, Newton Abbot, moved a step closer on Tuesday, when Teignbridge Council Executive approved a 25-year lease of the land to Devon County Council at £1 a year.
The 40 metres by 18 metres facility, close to retirement properties and homes in Lydford House and Hameledown Way, had brought 15 letters of objection and a 38-signature petition at the planning stage, and a supporting letter.
The facility, which will have floodlights to go off on a time switch at 9pm, will be open to the community outside school hours, at weekends and during school holidays. To accommodate the games area, the football pitch at Osborne Park is to be moved some three metres towards Osborne Street.
Richard Wheeler, the maltings director at Tuckers Maltings, asked if there had been any monitoring of traffic in Teign Road, which runs along one side of Osborne Park.
'I understand there are plans for nine office units at the far end of Tuckers Maltings. The traffic situation in Teign Road is extremely difficult with several businesses operating there. 'The thought of those offices at the end of the road and the sports entrance right opposite our loading bay, just makes for chaos,' he said.
Mr Wheeler asked if any thought was given to building the games area next to Osborne Street, which would take it away from the elderly residents' homes, away from traffic in Teign Road, and away from electricity cables. 'I am disappointed no-one seems to be looking at Teign Road traffic-wise,' he said. The leader, Cllr Alan Connett, said traffic issues were dealt with by the county council and he would see if he could get a written answer to that. Kathryn Batcock, of the primary school, pointed out that the objections had been fully considered by county planning, while between 8am and 4.30pm there would be no traffic associated with the games area during the 38-week school year. Cllr Brian Berman said it was a win, win situation. 'We are providing the land, but the county council is paying for it and the community will have use of it. It is an excellent facility for the school and the young people of Newton Abbot,' he said.