That KEVICC Field again

Reading between the lines, comments made to the Pulse, the likely sell off of KEVICC land for housing –  it’s already in the local plan for homes – is causing some dismay.

(The history of campaigns to save the lower school can be found HERE)

Totnes town council, which met this Monday, has decided not to submit an expression of interest, which when the land was designated as an Asset of Community Value, it had previously wanted to do.

But that doesn’t stop any other eligible community group from expressing interest in the site. Groups will have to hurry though, as the deadline is the end of this month.

Town clerk Catherine Marlton told the Pulse:
“The Council has previously explored the potential to acquire the lower field for community use (which would have addressed the other concerns about air quality and protection of green space) and submitted a bid to do so, but the level of funding that would now be required is beyond the Council’s financial capacity, and we cannot in all good conscience delay the disposal with no absolute intention or ability to purchase it.”

She added: “My understanding is that the ACV process does allow any eligible local community group to submit their own expression of interest within the six-week window (Closing end of June). If this happens, it would trigger the six-month moratorium period, during which time a community group could prepare a proposal to purchase the land. We wanted to make sure this position was shared openly, so that any groups who may be considering their own interest in the site are aware of the opportunity and the timescales involved. If any groups are interested in doing this, please let me know.”

Ms Marlton made it clear that the council recognises the school’s very real need for significant investment and that the council will be will be requesting future engagement with the school and academy (ESW) around protection of green space, access and footpaths, and air quality – all of which are, she said,  an ongoing significant concern.