Ottery sports facility hope after access bid gets go-ahead

A PROPOSED �45,000 access road that will unlock a piece of overgrown Ottery land, so it can house new sporting facilities, has been given the green light by planning chiefs.

A PROPOSED �45,000 access road that will "unlock" a piece of overgrown Ottery land, so it can house new sporting facilities, has been given the green light by planning chiefs.

The Herald understands an international croquet coach has expressed an interest in using the land as a training facility, after Ottery town council's bid to build a fenced access road and parking area at the three-acre strip off Strawberry Lane got the go-ahead.

Mayor Glyn Dobson said the council is considering "exciting" proposals for the site, which is located between the town's cricket and bowling clubs, and residents can look forward to a "sporting facility for the town". The council will now enter into negotiations with contractors to build the road.

Ottery County Councillor Roger Giles last year secured �45,000 to fund the road and parking facility, which will feature disabled spaces and a cycle area.

Planning authority East Devon District Council has given the bid the go-ahead on condition that work begins within three years and parking at the site can only be used for the "recreational" activities taking place at it. Further plans will need to be submitted over lighting bollards to be used along the proposed road.