Axminster: Plans for Cooks Lane play park approved, despite concerns from neighbours

Plans to create a children's play park on land off Cooks Lane, Axminster, has been approved by East Devon District Council (EDDC) despite some concerns from neighbouring residents.

Axminster Town Council submitted the plans for a small play area on land south of Furzleigh Down Farm, next to the Diamonds Tearoom.

The play area is intended to serve children living in the Raymond's Hill area of Axminster parish, but the plans were met with some objection from residents.

Concerns included the siting of the pay park near the entrance of a busy farm and excavation business used by multiple heavy good vehicles, and its position on a "subtle bend" of the single-track Cooks Lane where there is no pavement and "the speed limit is rarely maintained".

Several others have raised safety concerns about increased traffic and pedestrians using the lane to access the play park, and a possible increase in parking in the area.

One objector wrote: "Cooks Lane is a narrow road, with some areas of poor visibility and no pavements. It is unsafe to walk along in many sections because of oncoming traffic and pedestrians would also be at risk from traffic behind them too.

"The proposal favours families with children – it would be dangerous enough to increase vehicular traffic on this narrow road but dangerous beyond belief to encourage families with children to walk as well.

"Naturally, parents with children may be walking hand in hand and/or with a pushchair and there is no safe route for either to walk."

Others have raised concerns about possible increase in noise and anti-social behaviour, with one resident writing: "We feel that, as the proposed play park will be open to young during the entire year, it will become an attraction for youths to congregate and an increase in anti-social behaviour and noise will soon be apparent as the tea rooms are only open partially during the year.

"Crime is currently very low in this ward, and this is partially due to its isolation and lack of youth friendly amenities.

"Policing would be diverted away from the central location of Axminster to Raymond's Hill, which would present additional pressures on our already stretched police force."

A planning officer at EDDC admitted that "the proposal has a number of drawbacks", including the proposed park being on private land, parking only being available when the cafe is open, no pavements leading to the site, and its location not being central.

"However, in the absence of an objection from the Highway Authority it is unlikely that a refusal on highway grounds would be supported at appeal," the report added.

"Furthermore, in the absence of a conflict with planning policies, the applicant is free to select a site which meets their requirements. In that regard it is noted that options are limited in Raymonds Hill and this proposal would deliver a facility which is currently lacking. On balance it is supported."

The development of the play park will now move forward with equipment to include a bowl swing, ideal for a range of differing abilities and disabilities; a swing set, ideal for toddlers and older children; and a climbing frame, ideal for primary aged children.