TALKS are still going on to try to bring the vacant land beside Tesco on the Exeter road at Crediton into use.

At last week's meeting of Crediton Town Council, it was reported that negotiations had been going on since it was reported in the Crediton Courier, two years ago, that compulsory purchase might be used.

Mr Kevin Finan, Mid Devon District Council chief executive, said the district council had been trying to bring both parties to an agreement.

He said there was "a difference in costs" and at present, businesses were not prepared to pay these prices.

Asked by Cllr Bill Dixon "if this situation could go on for another 20 years," Mr Finan replied: "Yes, but we would not want it to."

When Cllr John Downes commented that that there was a rumour that the land owner wanted to go for change of use of the land, Mr Finan said this would need planning permission and the district council was aware of the demands at Crediton for this land to be used for business.

Mr Finan was asked what the district council was doing to promote new business or light industrial parks, or their expansion, to complement the increase in local housing.

Cllr Dixon observed: "All we seem to do is get more and more houses and fewer and fewer jobs."

Mr Finan said the district council was now looking for land for employment and housing across the district, with reports due to be with its Cabinet after Christmas. "You would have the option to let us know your aspirations," he told the town council.

He said there should be a new Local Plan by 2015, development at Junction 27 of the M5 appeared to now be coming forward and the district council had commissioned a land use survey.

WHY IS COUNCIL

IGNORED?

The town council wanted to know why recommendations it makes to the district council (the deciding body) on planning applications were ignored.

In particular, it wanted to know about the application to allow deliveries to Tesco on the Exeter road overnight. This had been banned in the original approval for the store. The town council had objected strongly, yet it was approved by the district council.

Mr Finan said the district council planning committee had to balance all the comments, the amount of opposition and of support.

It did take notice of the town council's comments but was being pushed to grant more because of the national move for more development. He added that if the district council did not have valid planning policy objections, an application could go to appeal, which would cost money.

"In the main, planning committee members follow your recommendations," he told councillors, adding, "It is not an exact science."

PLAY AREAS

Told that Crediton had two play areas with no equipment - Fulda Crescent and Spinning Path Gardens - Mr Finan was asked what provision was being made for the maintenance and enhancement of play areas.

Mr Finan said these were usually provided by developers, designed to last for 20 years, after which the equipment would be removed.

"We have had that money, things are coming home to roost and increasingly we do not have the money to maintain them," he said.

The district council was now encouraging developers to provide for a management company for play areas with a financial contribution from residents.

However, he thought the district council had too many play areas and should have parks with more facilities.

He added that Fulda Crescent play area had never had equipment. That at Spinning Path Gardens had been removed in 2012 because it was unsafe.

The housing association there could not help with finance but was going to survey residents. Mr Finan said the district council had not received complaints from residents. The district council would look after play equipment and paint it, but not necessarily replace it.

Cllr Nick Way said he understood Spinning Path Gardens residents wanted play equipment and the town's four district councillors were meeting district council officers to discuss play areas and finance.

He also said the district council was aware that its play area database on its website was out of date and was trying to update it.

MONEY LOST?

With the change over from Section 106 commuted sums to the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), Mr Finan was asked if there was a danger of the S106 money already allocated to Crediton being lost? The town council also wanted to know how Crediton could ensure it received its fair share of the CIL money and was able to influence how it was spent.

Mr Finan said this money would not be lost. There would be a legal agreement with developers with the money paid to the district council and then passed to Crediton.

The town council would receive 15 per cent of CIL and have the potential for 20 per cent if a Neighbourhood Plan was in place.

The remainder (80 or 85 per cent) would be spent across the district, with most going to the county infrastructure such as roads and schools.

Mr Finan said the CIL would not totally pay for the infrastructure development, but would contribute towards it.

POINT OF VIEW

When the town council asked if Mr Finan could make sure that the county highways department considered the responses of parish councils to development plans over required improvements in infrastructure, Mr Finan said that what the town council might see as a problem, County Hall did not necessarily see the same way.

The county council looked at things differently to the district council. Cllr Dixon commented that if there was not "joined up" thinking between town, county and district, the infrastructure would deteriorate further.

He said the town council had objected to some plans because it felt the infrastructure could not cope with the demands for further housing.

"When we do have a response, the County Highways say there is nothing wrong. That is not good enough," said Cllr Dixon. "It is not just Crediton, it is everywhere."

NOT THE SAME

With a hinterland of at least 10 villages and the poor, if not dangerous roads to Crediton, the town council asked Mr Finan to advise his officers that Crediton should not always be treated in the same package as Tiverton and Cullompton, with regard to social, transport, employment and planning issues.

Mr Finan said the district council recognised the different situation in Crediton. Some district council staff lived in the area and there were the local district councillors.

Mr Finan said if the town council had particular concerns, it should let him know and he would investigate.

PLANNING

The town council had no objections to a planning application to convert the rear of 115 and 116 High Street (formerly Phillips (Print and Stationery) Limited) to three dwellings plus alterations to the existing shops and to make two more flats at the first and second floor level.

However, it was concerned that the quality of living space afforded by the three dwellings might be too small and that two might be better suited to the space available.