Statement from Councillor Atherton – Social Housing Project Update Thursday 29th May 2025
This morning, the Lyn Community Development Trust (LCDT), which has been leading the social housing project since 2017, announced it is no longer able to support the proposed development on the Lynton tennis courts and adjacent grassed area.
Just two weeks ago, the LCDT Trustees approved a briefing document in support of this project for distribution to Town Councillors. So what has changed? Only one thing: increased opposition from the Tennis Club. Their arguments haven’t changed, but their objections are now being voiced more forcefully.
Of the five Trustees on the LCDT board, three are also members of the Tennis Club. It is these three who have now withdrawn their support. They are calling for yet another round of public consultation before any further steps are taken.
Let’s be clear: since 2001, there have been ten separate surveys and reports on the housing needs in Lynton and Lynmouth — all of which confirm a significant and growing need for affordable housing to protect the future of our community and services. The evidence is there. The need is urgent. Delay only worsens the situation.
This latest development is deeply frustrating. It appears personal interests are being placed above the wider needs of our town.
The Tennis Club has roughly 50 members. Our population is around 1,500. Yet we’re told members from Lynton won’t drive to Lynmouth to play tennis, even if parking is provided — while current Lynmouth members already travel to Lynton.
The argument doesn’t hold up. Across the country, people travel short distances to access sports facilities — why should Lynton be any different?
Thanks to the efforts of John Patrinos, £100,000 of funding from North Devon Council was secured for feasibility studies. That funding will now likely be redirected to other housing projects elsewhere — because we’re stalling again, after eight years of work. The LCDT’s decision today is, frankly, a disgrace. It’s a betrayal of local families and individuals forced to leave this area due to unaffordable housing.
We were close to a breakthrough. Instead, we’ve chosen defeat over progress. I hope those enjoying tennis in the years to come remember those who’ve had to leave the area — people who lived and worked here all their lives, priced out by inaction and delay.
A public consultation was already planned as the next stage. What we needed now was leadership from the LCDT. What we got was hesitation and retreat.
As such, I no longer see any point in continuing with this project. I will be resigning from the LCDT tomorrow morning.
John Atherton
That said, some members of the Trust have indicated they are still exploring alternative ways to move the housing project forward. If you have further questions or concerns, direct them to the Lyn Community Development Trust board:
👉 https://www.lyncommunitydevelopmenttrust.co.uk/
Comments
Post a Comment