Objections raised to proposed play area on outskirts of Axminster

Axminster Town Council has applied for planning permission for a children's play area on land south of Furzleigh Down Farm, off Cooks Lane.

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

Some residents have raised concerns that the play area would result in increased traffic and pedestrians on the narrow Cooks Lane, as well an an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Outlining plans for the play park, the application states: "Raymond's Hill has a number of children who live within its boundaries but there are currently no designated play areas within close proximity to enable them to play safely.

"There is no available community land within the settlement so the owners of Furzleigh Down Farm agreed that a section of their land may be used for the children's play area.

"It is proposed to place the play area on a grassed section of land close to the entrance to the tea rooms."

The proposed play area would comprise three separate pieces of play equipment:

A bowl swing – ideal for a range of differing abilities and disabilities

A swing set – ideal for toddlers and older children

A climbing frame – ideal for primary aged children The application adds: "The equipment would be installed on grass matting so that the area would retain a green appearance from a distance but also enable it to be used throughout the year. "A small fence, matching the existing, would be installed along the northern and eastern boundaries of the play area. "It is considered that the proposed play area would not unduly affect the character and appearance of the area and the visual and physical amenities enjoyed by adjoining residential areas. "In addition, the relatively minor nature and scale of the proposed community facility would be in scale with the character, environmental characteristics and setting of the area and would not conflict with the countryside, nature or landscape policies, nor detract from the amenities of the area." But the application has received seven letters of objection and just two of support since it was submitted in October. Concerns include 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." Those supporting the application have said the play park would be a great asset for local children, with one commenting: "To have a children's play area would be a great addition for families with small children where parents can have a coffee while the kids play. "There are no other play areas in the immediate vicinity and this would be an asset. "The social interaction for children especially after COVID would be a very good thing for them."