A PRESENTATION was made to Salcombe Town Council last week for the potential development of a ‘low density ecological development’ at Croft Fields between Gould Road and Shadycombe Road.

RLT Architects and Eden Design described the scheme as ‘an opportunity to enhance the landscape and ecology of the area.’

No planning application has been submitted, and the developers are keen to establish ‘dialogue and engagement’ with Salcombe, planning to consult with the local community before finalising any plans.

Steve McTeare from RLT Architects stated that the proposals would include ‘contributions to affordable housing, passing spaces on Shadycombe Road along with resurfacing, the refurbishment of Egremont and the building of an on-shore marine education centre for disadvantaged children and adults.’

But Cllr Tony Lang raised concerns that they ‘will become second homes’ and town mayor Cllr Mike Fice drew attention to the fact that ‘the site has previously been rejected for development.’

Cllr Fice said: ‘It’s a very emotive place in Salcombe, many kids have played in those fields over the years, and I went sledging there as a child.

‘The site was designated as a development site, but the town rejected it in favour of the site developed by Bloor Homes at the top of Bonfire Hill.

Cllr Fice added: ‘I warned them that there’d be a lot of opposition from the people of Salcombe.’

In August, the gates leading to Croft Fields were chained and padlocked, despite it being used as a footpath for many years.

Devon County Council confirmed that ‘there is no public right of way’ through the fields, but the architects have promised to ‘maintain designated and non-designated footpaths’ in any development.

Mr McTeare added: ‘We’re very much here to work with the local community and we appreciate this will be a very challenging scheme.

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‘We’re looking at a development that is organic, sensitive, very low density and landscape-led.’