A special column by Cllr Colin Parker, town and district councillor for Buckland and Milber, outgoing chairman of Teignbridge District Council and former Newton Abbot mayor:

Having just completed my year of office as Chairman of Teignbridge District Council I would like to reflect on some matters which have come to the fore in this last year.

Firstly, as Chairman of TDC I believe the remit of said position should be to facilitate debate or discussion in as fair a manner as possible, allowing all points of view and I have endeavoured to abide by that position and to represent the council in a dignified manner.

In my belief the chairman should not publicly express an opinion which could be interpreted as the view of the whole council when it certainly may not be the case. This should similarly be the same for any employee of a local authority or public body.

Issues have emerged in recent times which perhaps could be deemed as controversial with the rights and wrongs often difficult to quantify.

Dare I say ’Twas ever such?

One example is the home building expansion in Teignbridge.

Undoubtedly more dwellings are needed, as is the case nationwide as we have a desperate housing shortage, most particularly of low-cost homes for both the private and rented sector, but the positioning of such can cause heated discussions.

TDC must fulfil the Governments Dictate which here in Teignbridge, is currently 760 new homes per annum and there is a complicated housing Delivery Test performed to ensure we adhere to that target.

There are a variety of sanctions taken by central government if an authority fails to comply.

Ultimately all control can be taken away from the Local Authority, and that authority managed by civil servants imposed by government.

I believe it is far better for TDC to facilitate construction in sustainable ways, with easier access to services, delivery of infrastructure and causing as little damage as possible to our local environment.

We are instructed that we must get these homes built and I am sure many of you have contributed to our local plan assessment stating your views on this.

I believe very strongly that local people, elected locally, know what the local area requires, and will certainly strive to do just that, rather than imposed Whitehall bureaucrats. We must fight for local democracy, which is under threat.

Another area that has been greatly in the Public Domain are matters linked to the £9.2 million grant secured through the High Street Fund application.

Securing grants, especially substantial ones, are very challenging and it was certainly a coup for Newton Abbot to be awarded this funding which was based on a transformational scheme for the town.

Opinions have been and are divided on the different elements and how they are achieved.

Whether it be the market, cinema, theatre/entertainment space or Queen Street in my opinion it is imperative that the £9.2m be used in the best way possible.

If much of these grant monies received are for improving or providing enhanced leisure/market offering and entertainment there should be no issues as all of these are for the benefit for the public of our district, its economic health, and visitors.

Properties bought and owned by local authorities and subsequently enhanced to provide much needed benefits and attractions, largely through grants, but perhaps with some other funding and perhaps donations, can be a real bonus for towns, and this is happening up and down the country through various cash awards.

As a town councillor for the last 16 years, I believe everyone can only be delighted with the Newton’s Place project, which I am proud to be associated with. Discussion and consultation also will always drive the best way forward for such projects.

In addition to the above items many others are driving forward with large funding awards for our area and among them are the Houghton Barton Link Road, A382 improvements, decarbonisation of Forde House and leisure centres at Newton Abbot and Dawlish, and the Lido at Teignmouth and many more too numerous to mention.

I must say to achieve all these things it takes much time, effort, and staff hours and with the ever-depleting resources given to Local Authorities from Central government it is a miracle that as much is achieved by committed employees and enthusiastic councillors.

In my year as Chairman of TDC I can assure you that they all deserve a tremendous thank you.

Councillors and employees, I am sure promise to continue to do the best for Teignbridge and especially in my case Newton Abbot residents.