Green fields campaigner sweeps to Brixham by-election win

An independent candidate campaigning to save a Brixham green field site from development has swept to victory in a town council by-election.

Frances Robinson stepped in to contest the seat in the Furzeham with Summercombe ward as part of the local protests against proposed building at Monksbridge on the outskirts of the town.

She said the by-election was an opportunity for people to vote against the development but also to vote for someone who cared about local issues. She cited protecting Breakwater Beach from development and campaigned on other local issues such as the redevelopment of the town centre and a new project at Oxen Cove.

“These are local issues and with the right representation you can influence the decision on all of them,” she told voters.

She polled 1,133 votes in the by-election, a majority of 515 over second-placed Connor Fidgeon, the Liberal Democrat candidate. Conservative Roger Ball was the only other candidate, and polled 267 votes.

After the result was declared Ms Robinson posted on social media: “I would sincerely like to thank all those of you who came out and voted yesterday.

“While we will continue to fight the Monksbridge development I would also like to assure you that I will do my very best to ensure that your opinions and views are represented in the decision making of the town council.

“More than that, though, there is most definitely the start of something great. We are working well together and making a difference. Long may that continue because there is a lot going on in and around the town that you all need to have a say in.”

Developer Monksbridge Park Ltd plans to file a planning application soon for 175 new homes in the fields alongside the junction and skate park. A ‘scoping opinion’ document was lodged with Torbay Council in October.

The company says the land is currently unused and has no public access, and homes there will help to meet Torbay’s need for new homes.

An area within the site will be earmarked for local shops, a gym, a hotel, a café or ‘hot food offerings’. Details will be announced later, but the developer says jobs will be created.

Opponents, however, say the fields alongside the main road in and out of Brixham are one of the town’s last green spaces and should remain that way.