TOWN councillors have submitted a bid to register an area of green space in Dawlish as an Asset of Community Value.

The move by Dawlish Town Council is part of a wider plan to save the popular Newhay area, next to St Gregory’s Church.

The area is Glebe land belonging to the Church of England but there is a question mark over its future since Teignbridge Council failed to renew its lease of the site.

Following a groundswell of public opinion to save the land, the town council set up a task group and its first action was to bid for its registration as an asset.

More than 60 people attended a town council meeting in support of the land and 1,542 people signed a Save The Newhay petition.

The application was submitted to Teignbridge Council on July 4 and the district council has confirmed a decision is expected by August 29.

The task group will be exploring the viability of the town council, or community partners, taking on responsibility for the Newhay, including lease or purchase options in the future.

It is also carrying out ‘due diligence’ focusing on boundary, ownership, and structural issues, especially around the bridge and footpath.

Specialist surveys and investigations are being arranged.

Passionate supporters told councillors the Newhay is the only piece of land older people and those with disabilities can access easily because it is on the level.

There have been suggestions the land could become a community hub and create a community orchard.

There is now an approved allocated budget of up to £12,000 from Community Infrastructure Levy receipts to undertake ‘urgent due diligence to inform future town council decisions in respect of the Newhay’.

The Archdeacon of Exeter has said the Diocese is ‘happy to work with the town council, district council, local church or other community group to find a short term or long term solution to ensuing the space continues to be available for the community.’