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Proposals to lease the Park Place Putting Course
for 15 years as a concession have been put on hold by North
Somerset Council.
This follows concerns that the proposed use, in particular the
provision of hot and cold food, has intensified beyond what could
be considered ancillary under the present planning permission.
Cllr Elfan Ap Rees, Deputy Leader, said: "Unfortunately the bid
appears to have translated into a proposal where the hot and cold
food outlet is far more significant and this would require a
planning application with no certainty that it would be granted. In
addition the bidder for the concession has now amended his tender
proposal including a reduced rent. That would be unfair to the
other people who originally tendered against him in 2007 and so we
have decided to end the current negotiations and rethink the whole
issue.
"This is a prime site on Weston seafront but in a conservation
area and, whilst we need to maximise its use and income potential,
we also need to respect the open space. Personally I am not
convinced another catering facility is required but all options
will be re-examined in the coming weeks and we hope to make a final
decision on the future use as soon as possible. Whilst it is
unfortunate that this has come to a head at the beginning of the
summer season ,we also need to make the right decision for the long
term. In the meantime we will maintain the area in a respectable
condition to avoid any complaints." |