Teignbridge Council’s Lib-Dem executive voted unanimously to approve the submission of the Future High Streets Fund for the redevelopment of Newton Abbot to the Ministry of Housing.

Concerns over the future of the Alexandra Theatre were addressed by Cllr Gordon Hook with the assurance of a space for performances being provided.

Councillors agreed to refer the proposed projects to the full council for approval if the funding application is successful.

A report presented by Cllr Nina Jeffries detailed the ‘holistic’ view taken in considering what constitutes a healthy high-street.

She said: ‘We have done extensive research, it’s not just about parking or shops that make a successful high-street.’

However, non-executive member, Cllr Richard Daws of Newton Says No, thought the town centre would be better served if redeveloped to include more housing, especially in light of potential changes town centres post Covid-19.

Cllr Daws said: ‘In the cities that I do business in, the world is changing, out there.’ Addressing council leader Gordon Hook directly, he said: ‘This could be an opportunity, the high-street offers us the chance to avoid building on green fields when the dust settles from Covid-19, this is the best opportunity you have to not build on good agricultural land.’

Other councillors disagreed with Cllr Daws’ assessment of the situation.

Cllr Alan Connett fired back: ‘I sometimes wonder if NSN can say anything positive about Newton Abbot, so much work has gone into this, it’s exciting it’s innovative, there is a need for housing in the town centre, but we’re dealing with the Future High Streets Fund, we could get £10 million for Newton Abbot, this could attract people that may otherwise go to Exeter.’

Concerns raised about the future of Alexandra Theatre were also addressed directly by council leader, Gordon Hook.

The current building is due to be turned into a large dining area as part of the redevelopment plans.

Cllr Hook said: ‘The theatre will have a performance space. It might not be a large performance space, but we will do what we can to retain live theatre in Newton Abbot.’

He added: ‘Some outstanding work has been done there in the past, but it may need to adapt to changing circumstances and I hope it will continue to produce great work in the future.’