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UPDATE 8th February 2012 In April 2010, the
owner of Richmond Dock, Mr. Simon Maunder,
submitted plans to Torridge District Council (TDC) for the building of 13
metre high block of flats on Richmond Dock
which is an historic grade2* listed site. In July 2010, TDC refused
planning permission. In January 2011, Mr
Maunder submitted an appeal against the council’s decision. The appeal was
heard in June 2011 by a government Inspector and it lasted several days.
Essentially, TDC had to defend its decision to refuse planning permission.
Both sides were represented by barristers and witnesses were called to give
evidence. In July 2011, the
Inspector dismissed the appeal and found in favour of TDC’s decision to
refuse planning permission. TDC’s case was backed up by statements from,
amongst others:- Francis Kelly of English Heritage Roger Hoad, Bideford
Harbourmaster Tim Lowry, former chairman of Freight by Water (UK) Chris Marrow, chairman at Severn Link Ferries Christopher Snelling, Freight Transport Association Derek Green, Lundy Co David Jenkins, Senior Curator, Maritime & Transport,
National Museum Wales: Prof Mark Horton, Bristol University and BBC ‘Coast’
programme Appledore Residents’ Association C.A.S.H. During the course of
the appeal it emerged that Mr. Simon Maunder
himself would like to see a working dock and his representative proposed
building the flats on the south side and using the dock and north side for
boat repair. He also said that deliveries such as ship propellers etc. could
be delivered by truck in Marine Parade and then craned over into the dock. At the hearing,
C.A.S.H. put forward their own proposal for the dock which includes small
boat repairs, boat storage, display and maintenance of historic ships and
maritime skills centre. The dock has now been
let on a reported 5 year lease to FTD Marine Ltd whose main activity will be
repair and dismantling of vessels. The owner Mr Gareth Evans has stated that
they will be sensitive to noise and other environmental issues and would work
within acceptable restraints. Mr Evans has also said that scrapped materials
will be transported from the dock via the river and not by road. C.A.S.H. is delighted
to see the dock being cleaned up for reversion to its proper use and we are
impressed with the speed and energy with which Gareth Evans is tackling the
job. C.A.S.H. will continue to monitor events and will continue to explore
avenues that will maintain the dock in its historical context. UPDATE
29th July 2011 "THE
APPEALS ARE DISMISSED" The
Inspector's main concern was that 'the special architectural and historic
interest' of the site, which is grade II* listed, would be placed in jeopardy
by allowing this planning application to proceed. -- 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. 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 Us. Our
Aims:
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 |
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© CASH 2011 |
