A THREE day appeal inquiry into the planning application for the Old Showground site, Holsworthy, which began on Tuesday (April 13) is expected to finish two days later on Thursday after a lengthy discussion from both sides — Catesby Property Group and Torridge District Council.

The planning application which comprises 150 new homes (60 of these being affordable) and a range of recreational facilities including a full sized sports pitch together with new changing facilities, a skateboard park, the refurbishment of the cricket pavilion and additional play facilities for Stanhope Park, was submitted in July 2009 and refused by Torridge District Council in October 2009. Since this, the application was passed to the Planning Inspectorate who will make the final decision on the appeal.

The meeting was held in Halwill Junction Village Hall, a location that was not favoured by many, as it was relatively far from Holsworthy town. It was explained by Torridge District Councillor Barry Parsons at the Holsworthy Town Council meeting held on April 7, that he had been informed that an appropriate venue could not be found in Holsworthy.

The Holsworthy Memorial Hall and Market Hall were both unavailable for three days and a seperate room was not available for the planning inspectorate.

The appeal comes before Devon County Councillor and cabinet member Christine Channon visits the area. Christine, who is chair of Devon Education (Schools) Forum and chair of Teachers Joint Consultative, will be visiting Holsworthy Community College, Bradworthy and Ashwater Primary Schools on April 19.

Cllr Richard Brown explained that it was relevant to the recent appeal as education was not taken into account in the planning application. He expressed that the schools in the area are already stretched to the limit and "Holsworthy Primary School was proof of that, even though it was only built a few years ago, they are short sited in education, after a number of years of intensive campaigning for a new primary school, two years later this is the effect."

The site, subject of the appeal is subject of an allocation in the local plan for recreation facilities, and is located outside the development boundary for Holsworthy.

The appellant, Catesby Property Group, argued that there is no need for the recreation allocation, and that the identified recreational need is being addressed through the development, and in addition that the housing need, outweighs the fact the site is located outside of the development boundary.

Representing Torridge was Gary Grant, of 12 College Place Chambers. He argued that there is a need for the recreation allocation and that the housing requirement is being addressed through existing consents and allocations.

Cllr Brown commented on the proposed developments at the Old Showground: "I really feel that this area was always purely for recreational purposes only and it should remain so."

Cllr David Smith gave his concerns at the Holsworthy Town Council meeting held on April 7, he said: "The infrastructure of the town cannot cope with the proposed developments."