AN Okehampton organisation is hoping its plans for expanding the town?s recreational facilities could clinch part of the cash the developers of 500 new homes will put into the local infrastructure. For a long time Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) has been promoting the potential use of developers? money to enhance the area?s community and recreation facilities. Last month Leander Developments, Persimmon Homes and R Coombe were given permission to build 500 new homes between Exeter Road and Crediton Road despite strong objection in the town. The developers have agreed to put more than £2-million into the local infrastructure, including improving public transport and selling a site for a second primary school in the town for a nominal fee of £1. They have also agreed to give £325,000 for a project or projects in the community ? and this is the money that OCRA is bidding for. Manager of OCRA Stuart Lord said: ?Whether people agree or disagree with the new housing development in Okehampton it is essential that the community infrastructure is supported as the town grows. ?There is an urgent need for a replacement all-weather pitch, additional sports pitches, cricket development and a community/social building.? He said these projects had long been championed by OCRA. OCRA is involved in a diverse range of schemes that have an impact on youth, health, sport, community safety, tackling obesity, disability/special needs, rural isolation, art, dance and tourism. It also offers support to other voluntary groups and clubs. ?It is through this joined up approach that we looking to develop the Okehampton activity hub which will have great benefits to the town and surrounding area,? added Mr Lord. ?We are very keen to see that this new money and any future developers? contribution can be maximised by other potential funding for this purpose.? The town can boast its own netball league which includes 22 teams in and around Okehampton, huge youth and adult sections in the rugby and football clubs, plus a multitude of other sports and clubs. ?The Devon Youth Games showed what a fantastic area this is for sport but the demand outstrips our current facilities. ?With 500 new homes there will be many more young people coming into the equation.? A spokeswoman for West Devon Borough Council said it would be some time before a decision would be made on how the money should be spent. She said the agreement between the developer and the authority regarding money for community infrastructure was yet to be formalised. ?The legalities have to be sorted out and once that process has happened we can then move forward,? she said.
