Following CARA’s recent involvement in fighting against planned development, we’d like to take this opportunity to clarify our position in relation to planning matters. We are keen to emphasise that our main focus is NOT normally on issues such as planning and development. Over the past year or so certainly these types of issues have been at the forefront of our efforts, but we are not on any kind of planning crusade!
Cara’s objectives on planning are focussed on making every effort to protect the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that encompasses Georgeham and Croyde and the surrounding areas.
This is why we fought a major legal battle last year to protect the AONB around Baggy. This is why we have recently organised a petition and also submitted objections (drafted by specialist lawyers in the field) to another development which threatens some of the remaining green space in Croyde to the south of Croyde Bay. A copy of the submission drafted by our lawyers can be found here.
Cara’s concerns are the protection and enhancement of the AONB, the natural environment and the sustainability of the local community.
This is why we strongly endorse the arguments put forward by our local M.P. Selaine Saxby, about ensuring that there is enough sustainable affordable housing stock to meet local needs in South West areas such as ours.
Following communications from Cara, Ms Saxby says “North Devon has always welcomed second-homers and those visiting our beautiful coasts in short term holiday lets, but what we are now seeing is unsustainable, and we need action to address the problem before we become acomplete ghost coast”. Further details of her comments in parliament and in the local press can be found in her recent video and in the recent DevonLive article.
So we hope that Cara’s current strategy regarding planning and development is endorsed by our Cara members and friends. But hopefully our focus from now on can start to revert back to all the other local day to day issues which affect us all. Please remember that if you have personal ideas or concerns on which you feel Cara may be able to offer assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us by email: croydeara@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Best Wishes
The CARA Team
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