DPA President Victoria Oliver said the open meeting format was especially helpful in considering Grow’s application.
“It raised some unusual issues relating to what is essentially a unique form of community use, which were drawn out through the representations,” she said.
“The format of the meeting also enabled the Committee to consider ways in which there could be greater interaction with the speakers on particular points that were raised, which may be developed further in future Open Planning Meetings.”
Pictured: GROW has a wide variety of plants on sale at their garden centre.
Grow are excited to be able to move ahead with their refurbishment project, which will provide a consolidated crew quarters, a more formalised car park and drop-off area, and additional facilities for the benefit of the charity’s patrons, as Manager Edward Higgins explains.
“Ultimately, the project will allow Grow to expand the training opportunities it provides to its ‘crew’ of attendees, enabling a wider skill set to be learnt which should improve personal employment opportunities,” he said.
“The training offered will be in hospitality, retail, general life skills, health and well-being, whilst also relying on the historical horticulture and related craft opportunities.”
“It was extremely pleasing when we received unanimous approval from the Committee, who completely understood our objectives and reasoning. We can now proceed with the redevelopment project and look to seek support from La Societe in considering conservation and wildlife implications with the build.”
GROW’s fundraising team have now been ‘let off the leash’ to push ahead with raising the £2.5 – £3 million quoted to complete the build project. They are hopeful that £1.5 million of those funds can be secured by September 2021, which should be enough to allow construction to commence.”
Further information on the future of GROW, and opportunities to support the redevelopment project, will be available in the new year.
Pictured top: The outline plans for the future of GROW.