IF a former car lot in Newton Abbot is turned into an open space it could become a sink for undesirables, with increased problems of damage and vandalism, a public inquiry heard on Tuesday. Barrister Gavin Collett, representing Noon Associates – which wants to develop the .0321 hectare site at the junction of Market Street and Bank Street – claimed the area was virtually surrounded by five public houses and a licensed club, and it could lead to increased levels of anti-social behaviour. 'Market Street has an unenviable reputation due to the large number of violent and public disorder incidents,' he said. Mr Collett maintained that being in close proximity to the Asda store – due to open before the end of the year – could exacerbate the problem with youths gathering during the day causing pedestrians to walk a 'gauntlet' to access the remainder of the town. Noon Associates was appealing against a compulsory purchase order put on the site by Teignbridge Council last year. The firm wants to build a dozen flats and shops there. Mr Collett pointed out that the owners bought the site after the Local Plan First Review Initial Deposit Version and were unable to make comments regarding the proposed open space allocation. Development consultant Mick Roberts, a former development control manager with the district authority and who was the case officer dealing with the original Asda application, said it was important there was a pedestrian flow from Asda towards the town centre. 'In order to link Asda to the town you need to see some development on this site. People would be attracted by shops,' said Mr Roberts, who added there was other ample ground for open space. Teignbridge Council planning officer Carol Walter said the site was designated as public open space. The proposal to provide the open space formed part of the second phase of pedestrianisation extending from Courtenay Street into Bank Street and part of Wolborough Street. 'I think the introduction of an attractive open space into the area would act as a positive improvement and, with a high standard of landscaping, would provide an attractive townscape feature,' she said. Miss Walter said the district and county council would jointly fund the pedestrianisation works in Wolborough and Bank streets. 'The cost is likely to be in the region of £1.3 million. The cost of the acquisition is not yet known but the council intends to fund this and the costs of laying the Order Land out as a public space – approximately £75,000 – and its subsequent maintenance. 'As part of the town centre redevelopment, the council has been able, and is still able, to dispose of landholdings which can be applied to the costs of acquiring and developing the Order Land,' she said. Council solicitor Simon Barnes said buildings could provide an opportunity for vandalism as well as open space. 'I do not think it will become a sink for undesirables. The police were consultees and part of the design team and have not voiced concern,' he said. Mr Barnes said that redevelopment of the site would improve it from what is there now, but there was no guarantee of the building or use. 'There is a need to balance between the possibility that there may be a development which would enhance the area and the strong commitment of the council to provide a public open space which would be of benefit to the town,' he said. After the inquiry, the inspector, Phil Grainger, visited the site. His decision will be made known later.
