Plans in for regeneration of “long-derelict” site

Plans to regenerate a long-derelict industrial site in the heart of Totnes have taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application.The former Dairy Crest site has been dormant since the dairy closed 15 years ago and is considered to have “been a blight” on one of Devon’s most historic market towns ever since.Now the Brunel Park Partnership, which bought the eight-acre plot last year, has submitted a planning application to South Hams District Council in line with the requirements of the authority’s joint local plan.It includes homes, workspace, holiday lodges, flood defences and the restoration of the landmark grade II-listed Brunel Building for community uses. Its famous chimney will also be kept and restored.The plans protect the town from a one in a 100-year flood event, modelled on the very latest climate change science, and recently endorsed by the Environment Agency as providing “a betterment to Totnes”.Patrick Gillies from the Brunel Park Partnership said: “We’ve spent more than a year working up a planning application to create a mixed-use development that respects the site’s heritage, enhances habitat and protects against flooding.”Above all our plans are deliverable. People in the town want this site developed. That means putting forward the right mix of uses, in the right proportions. Otherwise, it simply won’t happen.”We’re excited by what we are putting forward, and we hope people will visit the project website to find out more.”At the heart of the plans is the transformation of the Brunel Building as a two-storey cultural community hub with spaces for artists, performers and groups, and potentially a café, bar and restaurant.There is also an outline application for the mixed-use development of the site. This includes 25 homes, 20 holiday lodges with a related amenity building, ten commercial units and a major flood prevention scheme.