From Eyesore to Eyecatching?
After an arduous and at times acrimonious saga, could good things finally be happening at the old Dairy Crest site?
The history of the site has been extensively covered in the Pulse (see all the articles here). Suffice to say, the much debated scheme promoted by Totnes Community Development Society Ltd and known as Atmos failed when the land it believed it was about to buy was sold to Fastglobe. Its defeat was sealed when a planning inspector allowed the Essex company’s second development plan on appeal in May 2024 and recently TCDS – known now as Totnes Community Builders – voted to wind itself up.
Now after 21 months of apparently not much happening, Fastglobe has broken cover with new plans for a bolder and it says better development.
A spokesperson for the development team said: “This revised scheme delivers significantly more for the people of Totnes — more homes, more affordable housing, more jobs, and a greater sense of place. It balances economic growth with environmental care and celebrates Totnes’ unique character and heritage.”
The plan promises a “vibrant destination” with 125 flats, a boutique hotel, a gallery space, nine shop units and vital flood defence works. The Brunel building with its iconic chimney will become an
exhibition space and bar/restaurant.
Cllr John Birch says he is told the planning application will soon be submitted to South Hams council, whose ambitions for the site have been for as much affordable housing as possible. It’s not stated yet how many of the 125 flats will be designated as affordable.
Fastglobe says this new plan will deliver 30 per cent more homes and greater local employment opportunities.
One criticism often levelled at Fastglobe by the Atmos team was that the firm had no intention of developing the site, especially after the conditions imposed on the scheme by the Government inspector and that it would instead “land bank” the prominent railway-side site. A location that has become an “anti social hotspot”, according to Fastglobe – and who would disagree with that?
It will be very interesting to see the details.
But on the surface it looks to be acceptable
Welcome as it is to see some progress on this key site, it’s hard to see how the scheme as illustrated lives up to the accompanying hype ?
The illustration shows only a proportion of this fairly large site -whilst I’m personally glad to see the retention of the iconic brick chimney – only have to wonder what the intention will be for the rest of the site -are we going to see yet another ‘Thin end of the wedge’ manoeuvre, whereby a relatively acceptable first phase is ‘backfilled’ with a mass of absolute dross? I would strongly advise that the community keeps a close eye on further proposals/applications for the larger part of the site?