Lock's Hill: Apology over 'eyesore' failed housing development

A developer behind an abandoned scheme for 32 new homes has apologised for the "eyesore" left behind.

Workers and equipment have been removed at Lock's Hill in Kingsbridge, Devon, by the developer, leaving five homes partially built.

Blakesley Estates, now Garden Mill Ltd, was forced to stop work in June 2021 after it broke a planning condition.

South Hams District Council (SHDC), which ordered building to stop, said it was "committed" to planning controls.

John Freeland of Blakesley Estates and Garden Mill, said: "It is very frustrating that we don't have a solution going forward.

"I can only apologise to the residents of Kingsbridge for the eyesore that has now been created."

The firm bought the 3.5 acres (1.4 hectares) of land in March 2021 with planning permission for 32 homes, including four classified as affordable.

Building began, but the council issued a stop notice, preventing work continuing, over the lack of tree protection fencing around the site.

The firm appealed, but a planning inspector agreed with the council in April 2023 and confirmed planning permission had lapsed.

Mr Freeland said the firm would not fund a new planning application which he said would be "well into six figures".

He said the stop notice "seems irrational at a time when the UK has a national shortage of housing".

"The site with its five partially built houses, is referred to locally as The Quarry, and it will now stay that way, potentially permanently," he said.

"Blakesley Estates continue to own the site and would be happy to work with the SHDC or any third party to complete it."

Councillor Dan Thomas, SHDC's executive member for planning, said the authority was "committed to seeking a resolution to the breaches of planning control".

The planning inspector's decision had "vindicated the decisions we've made around the breach of the planning condition", he said.

"There has been a longstanding commitment on behalf of the council, supported by our local MPs, to take robust action regarding breaches of planning.

"This has been an issue that has gone on for many years, and we have worked tirelessly to reach this very satisfying outcome."

The council announced a Housing Crisis in 2021 because of the shortage of affordable homes for local people.

It has the power to force Garden Mill to clean up the site or it can compulsorily purchase it. but the local authority declined to comment on future moves.

Dan Stathers, of local campaigners Save Lock's Hill, said: "Sometimes some of the most incredible kind of nature reserves or wildlife establish itself in these kind of derelict sites that are almost written off.

"There is a sense of opportunity now and a potential happier future for Lock's Hill and I think people would really like to see something positive."

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