Golden Buddha Centre update

21 October 2009
Type: GBC News

You'll be pleased to hear that we have found an ideal property for the new centre in Totnes. Unfortunately, however, the process is being held up by the highways department of the local County Council.

We are surprised, to say the least (and so is our planning consultant), that the highways department are unwilling to recommend change of use for this property because of cars going in and out of the grounds, even though we were willing to limit the number of car parking spaces. It is next to professional offices, opposite the local police station and law courts and not far from the railway station, so along with everyone else involved we find the decision very surprising.

Once the highways department gives the thumbs down in this way, the District Council, who have the final say, usually follows suit. But sometimes they override the highways department and because of this we are being encouraged by various advisors to take the planning a bit further, though it is by no means certain we shall be successful. Keep your fingers crossed.

So because of this uncertainty there is little point in going into detail about the property at this stage. We will of course let everyone know the details if we get the go-ahead.

We don't know how long the process will take, but we should know a bit more within a few weeks, and I will let you know as soon as we hear anything.

Richard
on behalf of the Golden Buddha Centre