This historic dispute about The Berry was challenged and questioned once again at the Salcombe Town Council meeting on Tuesday, September 3.

The former major Rob Lyon questioned the council about the ongoing queries about the ownership of The Berry. Lyon used evidence from a previous meeting with Chris Brook, assets cop lead at South Hams District Council about the ownership and transfer of The Berry. The Town Major, Cllr. Mike Fice denied the allegations explaining that an exploratory meeting was held to discuss the matter with SHDC. The Major continued to explain that STCl have not accepted an offer and this was only an agreement made ‘in principle’. This was explained to be a legal opening to discuss the topic but doesn’t bind the Town Council to anything formal or definite. Thus the issue of The Berry is still open for discussion and no final decision has been reached for the future ownership of this popular piece of land in Salcombe.

Discussions over the lease of the land was also covered at the meeting. The lease which has recently expired is currently being looked into by the Councils’ lawyers, but for now the lease is running on. This refers to the original decision by SHDC to lease the land to STC twenty five years ago.

The main area of dissatisfaction is whether the land should have ever been transferred over to SHDC in the first place. Originally, the land was gifted to the now dismantled Salcombe Urban District Council by Elspeth Carr. However after the Local Government Act of 1972, the SUDC was abolished to be replaced by STC and SHDC. During these changes, The Berry was transferred over to the influence of SHDC. This was all legal, but it has caused friction amongst the residents of Salcombe ever since.

There was further discussion about how this issue will be resolved which resulted in a decision to organise a public meeting to be held. This is to allow the residents of Salcombe to voice their own views on the future of The Berry. Many aspects need to be considered such as the cost of maintaining the land which would most likely include four other areas of land in Salcombe including Cliff House Gardens. Most councillors and their solicitors will attend the meeting as well as any interested members of the public. The date, time and location of the meeting will be confirmed at a later date.