MAYOR TO BE CHALLANGED ON BABBACOMBE DOWNS DEVELOPMENT

3.14.20pm GMT Wed 17th Feb 2010

Conservative Elected Mayor Nick Bye is set to be challenged at the Council meeting next week (Thursday 25th February) on his decision to allow a fish restaurant on Babbacombe Downs in light of the public outcry on the issue.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group Steve Darling has tabled the following question for the meeting:

"In light of the strength of public feeling at the St Marychurch and District Community Partnership on Monday 18th January, does the Mayor have any plans to reverse his decision to allow a lease for the proposed fish restaurant on Babbacombe Downs?"

Commenting on his question Councillor Steve Darling said:

"After the Mayor's recent u-turn on Barton Downs, I very much hope that common sense prevails over the Mayor's proposal for Babbacombe Downs. Given the public outcry over the Mayor's proposal to block the wonderful views from Babbacombe Downs with his plans for a fish restaurant, and the lack of proper consultation, the Mayor needs to think again.

"Torbay Council was named and shamed in a recent survey as being the third worst local authority in the country for local people feeling that they can influence decision making. With the Mayor's decision on Babbacombe Downs this is not surprising. I look forward to the Mayor confirming at the council meeting that he will reverse his decision."