UPDATE:

Plans to re-develop Richmond Dry Dock have been submitted to Torridge District Council by Simon Maunder who acquired the site in December 2006. Despite early assurances given to the CASH committee that the grade 2* listed dry dock would form the centre piece of a sensitive and exciting "maritime" development, his proposals feature large blocks of high rise apartments and duplexes which would dominate the whole area, destroy the integrity and setting of the dry dock and ensure it could never work as a dry dock again. Also included is a heritage centre, a waterside café, gallery and retail store. The dry dock would be made into a wet dock as home to a permanent vessel.

The relevant planning application numbers are 1/1248/2007/FUL(for planning permission) and 1/1249/2007/LBC (for listed building consent).

The CASH Committee is unanimously opposed to these plans and in co-operation with the Appledore Residents Association held a public meeting on November 17th 2007 which was attended by over 300 people, the vast majority stridently indicating their opposition. Since then we estimate some 500 letters of objection have been sent to Torridge District Council and the Northam Town Council; English Heritage: The Victorian Society; and Environment Agency as "consulted bodies" have all submitted objections. A local councillor has "called the application in" which means that it will be decided by the Plans Committee of the Council rather than by planning officers using delegated powers. We await news of when the application will be heard and intend to make appropriate representations.

CASH is very encouraged to have received in recent weeks a number of enquiries from individuals and firms interested in using the dry dock and yard for ship building, maintenance and repair. There is also huge potential for it to service all manner of vessels to be used in wind and wave green energy schemes now planned for the nearby Bristol channel. CASH would be very interested to hear from other possible users so that we can build up a case to the owner and local council to show that maritime commercial purpose and activity are a more suitable and viable use for the site than the provision of waterside flats and luxury homes.

Dimensions of the Dry Dock:

Gate opening width: 12 metres

Total length: 95 metres

Depth: 5.8metres

For further information about the plans or to offer help please contact; David Meredith, CASH Secretary, 8 Alpha Place, Appledore, Bideford, North Devon EX39 1QY Tel 01237 421210/ 07855 822517 email cdavid@merediths.freeserve.co.uk

Our Aims:

CASH is a community based organisation formed to protect and remember Appledore's unique shipping heritage. This charitable body has a particular interest in preserving Richmond Dock- a Grade 2* listed structure of extreme local and even national importance. The Dock is strategically situated in the heart of Appledore and once formed the heartbeat of the village. It was once at the centre of a thriving shipbuilding industry. Sadly, that industry is in decline but it is still important to remember the unique maritime history that Appledore has to offer.

CASH was formed partly as a response to a recent planning application to build houses on the listed Richmond Dock site. There was strong local opposition to these plans and they were defeated. However new proposals have been submitted for planning permission and there is much work still to be done if we are to preserve this unique site in some meaningful way.

Our aim is the restoration of the Dry Dock to full working order and to have a development that will reflect the proud maritime heritage of Appledore.

Thomas Girtin's view of Appledore from Instow in 1798