A MAJOR holiday development near Roadford Lake will destroy the tranquillity of the area, claim nearby residents. They expressed their fears at a recent meeting of Broadwoodwidger Parish Council, which was attended by more than 130 people, at Roadford Lake. They heard details of South West Water?s controversial plan to site a timeshare holiday village of 67 units within the parish. Council clerk Tony Harland-Clarke said: ?We are a very rural parish of around 9,000 acres with about 420 permanent residents. What people are concerned about is, in the middle of summer, the number of people is suddenly going to almost double, all within an eight and a half hectare site.? Mr Harland-Clarke said many local people would welcome a ?relatively small? development of the site such as a low-key hotel but that they were opposed to the scale of this proposal. He added: ?The lake should be placid, calm, beautiful and quiet, with little traffic apart from people going to sail and visit the lake. That whole corner of the parish would be totally changed.? The meeting heard residents? concerns about traffic, noise and that this project was the first phase in a development on an even greater scale at the site. A number of parish council members from adjoining parishes, including Lifton, Germansweek and Ashwater, also attended the meeting. Mr Harland-Clarke said the parish council had taken note of residents? concerns and would be considering its response to the planning authority Torridge District Council. He said parish council members would also be meeting an officer from Torridge?s planning department to discuss the plans in greater detail. The outline planning application for a holiday village with 67 units in three clusters on farm land at Higher Goodacre was submitted to Torridge District Council on September 5. The proposals include the construction of 67 shared ownership cottages in three clusters with car parking. Upon receipt of planning permission, South West Water would sell the site to a leisure operator which would then construct, retain and operate the community facilities. These would include a swimming pool and a sports hall. South West Water also says a new access road from the south will be constructed, along with the creation of wildlife habitat and conservation areas and enhanced landscaping. South West Water estimates the scheme will contribute more than £2-million extra spending in the area, benefitting suppliers, local shops and restaurants and visitor attractions. It says the scheme will mean more jobs, both directly and indirectly, will be created, as well as encouraging further investment in the area. The company says the development will create year-round job opportunities. A spokesperson for South West Water said the number of jobs that would be created was not yet determined, but it was believed somewhere in the region of between 50 and 100 jobs for local people would be supported by the scheme. South West Water also point out the proposal is in line with Torridge District Council?s sustainability development and tourism strategy. A move by South West Lakes Trust which provides recreational facilities at the lake, to encourage waterskiing has also shocked many local residents. A Roadford Lake Conservation Group was formed last week following the announcement by the trust of plans to hold water-skiing trials at the lake today (Thursday). Rodney Willetts, secretary of the group described water-skiing as ?absolutely contrary to the brief? of South West Lakes Trust?s in terms of conserving the lake. Mr Willetts said: ?The lake is a finite resource which should be available to give the greatest pleasure to the greatest number of people. ?To water-ski you have to be travelling at about 15mph and you need a lane about 50 foot wide plus a safety margin either side. ?This means the area of water required by one water skier is such that it must deprive many others of pleasure. This sport would be at the expense of those enjoying the lake at the moment and we can think of no positive reason for providing it other than making money.? Some residents fear if the planning permission is granted, the influx of holiday-makers would mean motor boats and jet skis would become a routine sight at the lake. At present, recreational facilities offered at the lake include sailing, rowing, sail boating and angling, and a large part is set aside as a nature reserve, popular with birdwatchers.
