Holiday homes not hotel for Duckhaven?

By [lchurchill]

AN APPLICATION to build four holiday homes at a former stable in Westward Ho! has been submitted.

The application for Duckhaven Stud in Cornborough Road is to convert 13 stables to four holiday units, incorporating a recycling centre.

The site was previously the subject of a controversial planning application for a 28-bedroom hotel, which was rejected by planners.

Northam Town Council, who act as consultants on the planning application, has recommended refusal stating the stables should be demolished if they are not needed, rather than developed.

The council was also concerned about the effect the proposals would have on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

But applicant Kathy Murdoch believes the homes will be let some 20 weeks of the year and further winter use would be enabled through specialist holidays utilising the site's current facilities.

Northam councillor Roger Johnson described the application as "rather mild" compared to the hotel and didn't feel the development would be "too much of a problem."

He said: "We're trying to encourage more people to come on holiday here and we need more bed spaces so we can keep jobs."

But not all his fellow councillors agreed. Cllr Sue Collins said: "Why do people come here? It is because we've got all this scenic beauty and it is only by retaining that we will encourage people to come."