What Now for Baltic Wharf?

What happens next at the Baltic Wharf site, the river gateway to Totnes and a prime chunk of development land, now that the planners have rejected the scheme for more houses and a care
home?
Nearly 500 objections to the plans were sent to South Hams District Council, and just five letters of support.

Baltic Wharf is an important public asset

One objector called the scheme a “Devonian version of Canary Wharf”. South Hams Society’s Richard Howell told the Pulse he was pleasantly surprised by the decision, which followed
officers’ recommendations. “I think it will be difficult for the developers to appeal but I would be surprise if they didn’t”, he said.

Almost a year ago to this day, Acorn, the developer, had submitted a planning application for a substantial development on the Baltic Wharf site (Full details in this previous Pulse article) which included 194 dwellings, a 55 bed care home, an underground car park for 324 cars, commercial buildings and a reduced boatyard. The council’s local development plan required 30% of the dwellings to be affordable. Acorn only offered 6%.

District Councillor John Birch says: “Totnes has been saved from the blight of an ugly, overcrowded development that would have blotted the landscape and character of our riverside. The way forward for this site is for the district council to work with its owners to plan the revival of Baltic Wharf and build on its unique facilities and position to create a Centre of Marine Excellence and Skill that would continue the town’s long association with the sea, and create the potential for highly skilled and well paid jobs for the area.

Aside from the direct economic benefits to the district through the delivery of a centre providing highly skilled and well-paid employment, it will also contribute to the well-being of the town.
Baltic Wharf is an important public asset that is part of the character of the town and must not be lost to unsightly development.”

In a short statement from Acorn , the developers said they were disappointed with the decision.
The site has been allocated for development and Acorn added :”We will continue to work on the project and are still committed to providing much needed housing for the area.”