IT IS HARD to be anything but excited at the proposals by artist Damien Hirst to build more than 500 eco-homes in Ilfracombe. This is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the town – and, indeed, the wider North Devon region – which cannot be ignored.

Yes, it is important that the same kind of planning regulations and processes which apply to all housing developments should be equally applicable in this case and so these proposals should follow 'due process' when it comes to going before the various authorities.

But it is the Journal's fervent wish that there is a clear demonstration of vision for these plans which may well have been missing in the past, both here and elsewhere in the country, when it comes to grasping such issues and supporting them.

Council planners cannot, of course, pre-judge such applications and so it is important that a balanced and equitable process is followed when it comes to assessing the impact of Mr Hirst's proposals.

But councils can get involved and be proactive when it comes to providing the necessary support and willpower to see such schemes progress quickly. And that is what we call on the various authorities to do here.

Yes, there is a lot of work to come to ensure the detail behind the 'vision' fits in with the surroundings, taking into account the environmental and economic impact such a scheme will have.

But it is vital those in power recognise this kind of opportunity will not come around again any time soon and they must not let the opportunity slip through their fingers by not allowing themselves to be bold and visionary.

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