AN EYESORE, which for decades has blighted the main entrance into Teignmouth, might soon be a thing of the past.

A former convenience store in Bitton Park Road has lain empty for some 20 years, and despite being offered for letting all that time has failed to find a tenant.

The shop front is in a state of disrepair and residents have claimed the sorry sight is driving down property prices in the immediate area.

Now the four ward councillors for Teignmouth West are calling on Teignmouth Town Council to compulsorily purchase (CP) the property and develop the site. The matter is due to be discussed at a full town council meeting next month.

It’s not the first time the council has tried to buy the property.

One of the ward councillors, David Cox, said: ‘We tried a few years ago but the owner then put in planning permission to turn it into a pizza business.

‘Because his plan was at the time considered a feasible one, any CP would not be permitted. Sadly it came to nothing.’

This time the councillors hope to include the neighbouring properties – the BBQ Kebab Shop which has been empty for a couple of years, and the Baby Bank showroom.

If the council approves the CP plan, it will then go forward to Teignbridge Council, as it is the district and not the town which has the authority to compulsorily purchase a building. Teignbridge would then sell the building on to the town council.

The cost would be determined by an independent auditor.

The proposal would involve demolishing the single storey retail sections of the block and leave them as open spaces. The two-story section, which extends to the back, would be developed into up to five family properties. Cellars could provide dedicated parking spaces.

Cllr Cox said: ‘Leaving to shop sites open would have beneficial effects on the air quality. You could say it would be a break in the canyon.

‘Bitton Park Road is particularly bad when it comes to emissions, and the consequent flow-through effect would significantly reduce air pollution.’

This was confirmed by air quality expert John Lintle who lives in Bitton Park Road and monitors the pollution levels as part of the town council working group.

He said: ‘’This is one of the worst areas in Devon for air quality. I’m pleased the town council is taking this action and I hope Teignbridge District and Devon County Council play their part.’

The houses would be let to families and it’s anticipated that the purchase cost would be redeemed within 30 years.

‘‘There is a real shortage of three-bed properties in the area,’ Cllr Cox said. ‘This would give people a real chance to get on the property ladder. My daughter Becky remembers the shop being empty when she went to primary school – and she’s a town councillor herself now!’

Cllr Becky Cox, 27, said: ‘People of my generation are finding it increasingly difficult to rent or buy. This is one example of helping local families live in the town of their birth.’

Dad David added: ‘The proposal would benefit the town in three ways: it would remove an eyesore, improve air quality and provide much needed rented accommodation.’

The proposal will be debated by the town council in July.