Setback!

Campaigners trying to preserve a derelict chapel and lodge at the old Teignmouth cemetery have suffered a setback.

Teignbridge Council, which owns the properties, has applied for planning permission for a change of use to convert the ‘surplus assets’ into a dwelling, and demolition of a store to provide a garden. But opponents are objecting and want to see the historic buildings restored.

The town council submitted a ‘community right to bid’ application to Teignbridge. This would allow it to try to acquire the chapel and lodge, if and when they are put on the market by the district council.

The chairman of the Finance and General Purposes committee, Cllr Geoff Bladon, is leading the fight to retain the buildings. He told a town council meeting on Tuesday that the application had been refused by Teignbridge. ‘But I will be appealing against that decision,’ he declared.

Cllr Bladon said later that many people in the town would be angry at the refusal because there was a lot of support for restoring the buildings. Local funeral directors had expressed an interest in using the chapel for services in the future.

 

Story from: Teignmouth Post, Friday Oct 2nd 2015