Spadework begins for new Dawlish Countryside Park
The creation of a brand new natural recreational area and haven for wildlife in Teignbridge has begun, after the first spade was put in the ground on a £250k project to create the new Dawlish Countryside Park.
Last year, on Thursday 24th November 2016, Teignbridge Planning Committee approved plans for the creation of a new Countryside Park in Dawlish. The 26.4 hectare (65 acre) site (around the size of 26 rugby pitches) was purchased with money from developers, known as Section 106 payments and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), on new developments across three council areas of Teignbridge, Exeter and East Devon.
Work to provide the new access road and car park is now underway on site.
Following a competitive tender for the infrastructure works, local engineering firm JTT Contracting Ltd were successful in winning the contract. They are now delivering the first crucial element of the project to provide a new surfaced access road, associated surface water drainage, field access for the adjacent farmer and a car park facility for a minimum of 60 cars at the Countryside Park.
The new road will provide easy access by car from the Exeter Road (A379) at Dawlish to the free car parking on site. In addition, there will be three pedestrian access points - two from Shutterton Lane and one from Orchard Lane, a series of walking routes providing a 2.3km network, as well as signage providing longer walking routes of 5km or so.
Paul Hudson, Contracts Supervisor, JTT Contracting Limited, said: “We’re really pleased to be working closely with Teignbridge to help provide this new public open space for Dawlish. We expect the work to take around 13 weeks, so should be completed by late Spring.
“As a Devon-based contractor, we’re pleased to be able to do work which local communities will benefit from and be proud of.”
Cllr Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge’s Executive Member for Housing and Planning, said: “I’m over the moon to see that work has now started on this site, which will provide enjoyment for local people and visitors as a countryside park for years to come.
“A real asset for Dawlish and Teignbridge, the new Dawlish Countryside Park is needed to help protect internationally important conservation sites at nearby Dawlish Warren and the Exe Estuary, providing more leisure choices for the growing population and people living in new developments nearby.”
Teignbridge, in partnership with Exeter and East Devon Councils, recently established the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, to help protect key conservation sites at Dawlish Warren, the Exe Estuary and East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths. The three authorities are working together to provide safe areas for all users to enjoy and care for the bird populations they support.
Councillor Lisa Mayne, Teignbridge District Councillor for Dawlish Central & North East Ward, said: “This exciting development means we are now well on the way to providing extensive new green space, which will benefit the town and the whole district.
Councillor Graham Price, Teignbridge District Councillor for Dawlish Central & North East Ward, said: “This amazing new Countryside Park will be for public access and it will provide beautiful views of the landscape, provide a space for recreation and leisurely walks, for families and dog walkers alike.”
Councillor Ted Hockin, Teignbridge District Councillor for Dawlish Central & North East Ward, said: “I’m very pleased to see work making good progress on this expansive new green space which will provide enjoyment for local people now and for the future. With the new houses being built it is in an ideal position and I am sure will be well used.”
Pictured, L-R: Teignbridge Executive Member for Housing and Planning Councillor Humphrey Clemens, Grant Shorland – Teignbridge Assistant Project Engineer, Paul Hudson – JTT Contracts Supervisor, Peter Briscoe – Teignbridge Project Engineer
