THE public consultation on the future of Whitestrand saw Salcombe’s district councillors speaking with residents, visitors and businesses on South Hams Council’s proposals for the area.

A planning application was approved earlier in the year which agrees, in principle, to the improvement of the space by reducing the conflict between cars and pedestrians at the quay edge.

Councillors arranged the public consultation to ask local residents and visitors how they would like to use the space, asking the local community to have their say before taking the process to the next stage.

Ward members, Cllrs Judy Pearce and Simon Wright set up a display of the proposals in October, encouraging residents and visitors to fill in the survey with their opinions.

Responses to the survey have been gathered, and a number of outcomes considered. There were many passionate views, some in favour of changes, others opposed. Many saw the changes as beneficial but thought the proposals could be modified.

Cllr Simon Wright, ward member for Salcombe, explained: ‘This has been a really beneficial and constructive exercise to hear the views of all in Salcombe and it was a very interesting two days. We’ve picked up many comments and suggestions, and we will now move forward to the next stage.

‘There was criticism, as there naturally would be, but we have also received positive responses for the proposals.’

Cllr Judy Pearce, ward member for Salcombe, said: ‘Parking has been widely commented on, which did not surprise us as car parking is an important issue for Salcombe and we feel that this should be considered more widely when working on the masterplan for Batson boat park and car park area.

‘There will be no changes which would see a loss of car parking spaces at Whitestrand but we are going to look at improvements to the motorcycle side access.’

Cllr Simon Wright added: ‘There were a number of very positive suggestions made on the overall parking situation in Salcombe, with calls for better signage for the car parks.

‘These improvements will be considered as part of the wider masterplan.’

Added to the amendments is a variation to the original proposals which will see the decking withdrawn.

The railings, which have been a contentious part of the proposals, are still in scope. The risk assessment raised safety issues and saw that a form of railing did need to be fitted. Officers have been in discussions with Salcombe Town Council to ensure that the railings are in-keeping with the surrounding environment.

Cllr Pearce then added more detail to the Harbour Office plans: ‘The improvements to the Harbour Master office saw a lot of support in improving this facility, incorporating the Tourist Information Centre and providing additional showers.

‘Now more work needs to be done to look at the design aspect, as the artist impressions on the day were only one example of how the new office could look. We have recently received an offer from a local architect for their services to draw up a community led design for the office.’

Speaking about the market proposal, Cllr Wright, continued: ‘As to the idea of markets going ahead at Whitestrand, no firm responses were received, although ideas such as extending the Crabfest and holding a Christmas market were voiced and will be considered. We should consider the outcome of the Neighbourhood Plan survey before making any decisions on this.

‘We have also reviewed the seating proposals since the consultation and the proposals now see the plinths taken out and new updated seating provided, which is refreshed and updated but flexible to cope with events such as town regatta. One of the existing benches can then be placed at Chapel End.’

Cllr Pearce finished by thanking all who came to the consultation: ‘Of course, people’s views can be diametrically opposed and we have to reach a compromise. People have been passionate on both sides and we have been through all of your responses and would like to thank everyone who came to see us and filled in the survey.’