RETENTION of a pannier market in Hatherleigh and concerns over homes for local people in the town were just some of the points raised during a public consultation, the results of which have just been published.

PCL Planning have released their findings to Hatherleigh Town Council and West Devon Borough Council following the public consultation event regarding the redevelopment of Hatherleigh Market in July.

In a statement to the councils, PCL Planning said: 'A range of acknowledged factors have undermined the viability and long-term future of cattle markets and Hatherleigh is no exception. The West Devon Local Plan and more recently the Core Strategy have recognised this.

'The owners of the site have appointed a professional team to advise on the future of the site and the potential for a range of uses, including housing, employment and a street market, which will continue to benefit the town.

'The responses received in the first community engagement exercise have been collated, analysed and carefully monitored by the project team, and the proposals are currently being developed in response to these comments.'

Around 300 people signed the attendance register at the event and 139 expressed particular comments regarding the proposals. The comments were split into four categories. 105 of the comments were related to the market and civic events, 92 concerned new residential development, 55 were related to infrastructure and services, with 40 related to other suggestions.

Of the 105 comments regarding the market, the most common remark about the market was to see the retention of the Tuesday pannier market (16%). Thirteen percent raised the issue of retaining car parking and adequate space for Hatherleigh Carnival.

Eleven per cent commented on 'their desire for the proposed retained marketplace area and associated open space to be larger.' A further ten per cent raised issues stating 'the retention of some form of marketplace being imperative as a social centre and meeting place, and the preference to see a more equal balance of industrial use and residential development on the site.'

Among the concerns raised about the new residential development were a lack of employment for new residents, concerns over the volume of housing unts and marketability , and just under ten per cent expressed concern regarding incomers to the town and that the new housing 'won't be for local people'.

A third of the people who commented on infrastructure had concerns over the capacity of the primary school, with 16% raising 'general concern regarding the potential strain on Hatherleigh's infrastructure and the general need for improvement of services.' A further 14.5% were 'particularly concerned over the capacity of the local medical centre and the pressures it would likely experience.'

The most common of other suggestions was to provide a riverside walk as part of the application.

The second stage of community consultation is anticipated to take place in the autumn when more detailed plans will be available for viewing and discussion. To see the initial report, go to http://www.hatherleightowncouncil.org">www.hatherleightowncouncil.org