PLANS to give a Teignbridge rowing club a permanent home on the banks of the River Teign have received strong support from local people.

River Teign Rowing Club has applied to Teignbridge Council for permission to build a new boathouse at Polly Steps, pictured.

The proposed facility would provide the club with a permanent base to store and maintain its boats, as well as rowing machines, toilets and space for members to relax and enjoy hot drinks.

The plans also include a storage container for Teign Corinthian Yacht Club.

Among those supporting the application is Andy Darkin, who said the proposals could finally provide a suitable home for the club after years of searching.

‘After many years of trying it looks like a highly suitable and appropriate location/design is within reach for a base for this thriving community club that continues to bring many benefits to the town and local people’, he said.

Jon Webber also backed the plans, describing the rowing club as ‘a huge asset to the community’.

He said the club brings people of all ages together, promotes health and wellbeing, gives young people a positive focus and represents Teignmouth at regional and national level.

Dr Michael Cullen said the club provides a ‘major benefit’ to the community by offering recreational facilities on the River Teign.

He said a permanent shore base was ideally needed to store boats and equipment, but this had previously only been possible through temporary arrangements.

‘This application will provide a longer term solution’, he said.

Teignbridge Council is expected to make a decision on the application by November 9.

For more information, and to comment on the application, visit the council’s planning portal and enter ‘26/01020/FUL’ into the search-box.