Further to the public meeting, I am writing to say that I am not in favour of the proposals by South Hams District Council to develop the Kingsbridge quay area.

I am writing this letter instead of providing feedback online, because in this way I can be positive and say what I think would really benefit Kingsbridge.

Instead of the district council proposals, I would like Kings­bridge Town Council to take forward its ideas, as expressed in their meeting on July 4, to build houses for rent on parts of areas three and four, away from the quay, and to hire boats/paddleboards from the end of the quay.

The existing arrangements for car parking, car boot sales, launching boats will all remain unaffected, as will the mature trees stabilising the bank next to the slipway and space for fair week.

Under the district council proposals, these important features of Kingsbridge life are in danger of being adversely affected.

The town council proposal to build houses for rent will not only provide long-term affordable housing, but will also be an investment providing income in perpetuity to fund maintenance of the housing provided.

Any extra income provided will be available to fund future infrastructure or other projects in Kingsbridge.

This is the equivalent, in local government terms, of a family providing for itself and saving for the future, whereas the district council proposals to build houses for sale – affordable or not – is the equivalent of the family selling off the family silver – the asset is lost and there is no long-term income.

With the town council plans, there are at least three advantages over the district council ideas: 1) The existing character of Kingsbridge is maintained; 2) Affordable housing is not only built but also, very importantly, retained; and 3) Long-term income is assured – all three for the present and future benefit of Kingsbridge.

Mary Bourne

Church Street

Kingsbridge