Don't Sell Off Family Silver

10.10.38am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Aug 2007

Following the news that a company owned by Peter De Savary is applying to take over the local woodland near the Cary Arms, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Cllr Steve Darling has written to the Leader of the Conservative Group seeking assurances about public access and over-development.

Cllr Steve Darling said: "I and other Liberal Democrat Councillors have been contacted by a large number of local residents who are concerned that public access will be reduced and that there is the potential for the area to be over developed. It is time that local residents were listened to and not just the developers."

The letter from Councillor Darling is as follows:

"I am writing to you regarding the article in the Herald Express on the 14th August 2007 entitled "De Savary sets his sights on woodland."

According to the article, "Property tycoon Peter de Savary's company is applying to take over the lease for the woodland around the Cary Arms and Babbacombe beach as part of the £9 million plans to create a luxury beach resort at the Torquay beauty spot".

As I am sure you appreciate, many local residents have concerns about the over development of the area and public access. Other Liberal Democrat Councillors and myself have been contacted by a number of residents on this issue who are concerned that the Council is selling off the family silver.

I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about Peter de Savary's proposals, and your assurance that the concerns of local people and not just developers will be listened to. I would also appreciate you letting me have copies of any paperwork that there is which covers the terms of the lease you are negotiating with Mr. De Savary."