PREPRATIONS are being made for a public inquiry into calls for the reinstatement of an age-old right of way that runs through the grounds of a new block of luxury apartments in Teignmouth. The developers and some residents of the 11 apartments at Eastcliff, the former Victorian villa known as Eastburn, in First Drive, have put forward objections to Devon County Council's plans to formalise the short cut that runs through the grounds as a public right of way. Dozens of people claim to have used the route to the coastal footpath for the best part of a century. They complained to the council when developers, Tiverton-based Devonshire Homes Ltd, blocked off the access with a padlocked gate. The route has been inaccessible since Devonshire Homes started work on site more than a year ago. Devon County Council has applied for an order to designate the route, including a two-metre wide strip through the grounds of the development, a public right of way because of its historic use. A date for the inquiry has not yet been confirmed, but is likely to take place within the next few months. Relevant information can be received up until the day of the inquiry. Evidence forms can be obtained from the Public Rights of Way Department, Devon County Council, County Hall, Exeter.
