Weston's Tropicana site.
VIDEO: Trop footage released by businessmen
Bethan Evans, Reporter
Thursday, May 17, 2012
10:09 AM
BUSINESSMEN campaigning to save Weston’s Tropicana have released their own video to show North Somerset Council that residents want the site to stay on the seafront.
The seven-minute video features residents of the town talking about the building and their backing for a proposal to turn it into a major, all-weather tourist attraction.
The council has submitted two application to demolish the former pool, which has been sent to the Secretary of State for a final decision.
But Trop (WSM) Ltd, headed by farmer and property developer Derek Mead, has submitted a business plan to the council to take over and restore the building.
And the video, produced by Weston’s Digital Photo Studio, underlines the high level of local support for the rescue plan.
Studio spokesman Kirsten Hemingway said the production gave the strongest possible indication to the council that people favoured the retention, rather than the demolition of the Tropicana.
She said: “We support the idea, too, and we felt this was one way of providing some practical backing to the campaign.”
The group has also launched a judicial review of the first demolition application the council submitted, claiming the authority had no right to do so. Now the council has drawn up and lodged a fresh application but Trop (WSM) Ltd say that is also flawed and is considering submitting a second judicial review.
Mr Mead said: “The application makes no mention of our proposals, our costings or our business plan or all the other information we have provided the council with. It’s as though we don’t exist.
“The council cannot simply ignore our presence or our proposals when it goes to public consultation with this application because it will only be giving people half the picture.
“Unless our plans are included in the general information about the current state of play I very much fear we shall be considering yet another legal challenge. It’s regrettable, but if that’s the only way we can get the council to play by the proper rules, then so be it.”
The video is due to be officially launched at the studio in Locking Road on May 22, but is also available now through YouTube.
At the same event children from Lancaster House Primary School in Weston will be presenting their own plans for the future of the Tropicana, with a prize for the best one.
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8 comments
All the years wasted then suddenly someone wants to come in and buy the place for next to nothing...if they wanted it they would have bought it years ago. This is the same businessman who has left Highbridge to rot untill he gets his own way. Knock it down before we wait another 4 years like Highbridge has.
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T-Bone
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Im surprised Ap Rees has'nt changed his mind to wanting to turn it into another Square!
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TrueWestonian
Friday, May 18, 2012
I really hope a miracle occurs and the Trop. is saved, but I won't be holding my breath, N.S.C. don't want the trop there for some reason that hasen't come out in the open.I wonder if those locals that opposed any rebuild, have thought of the fact they won't look out on to the sands if the Trop. is pulled down, they will look out on a car park ruining the sands.
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jab
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Good stuff yes, but judging by the fact NSC ignored its own commissioned report clearly pointing to both residents and holiday makers saying they want 'The Trop' saved and instead submitted a second application to demolish, I sadly fear this like everything else 'Trop WSM' are trying will also fall on deaf ears
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mikeyw
Thursday, May 17, 2012
When other plans were submitted previously, the existing pool would have been replaced by a pool at the very least, objections were mainly based on size & appearance and most probably objected to by those overlooking the site. The Council are now proposing to spend money that they have not got, and to replace it with nothing more than sand! Indeed it makes me think that certain councillors have got nothing but sand in between their ears! There is absolutely no logic when the overwhelming majority of residents and visitors, as shown in the councils own survey, want a pool in this location. Its a no brainer! Why did they again waste money on a survey if they didnt want to take any notice of its result? Good Luck to Trop Ltd if they launch another legal challenge as I think all that is happening here is more and more support for a pool and more and more anger against the Council.
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TrueWestonian
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Its a pity the local residents didn't support the plans years ago...then it would be up and running now. To much time wasted to start again...knock the dump down.
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T-Bone
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Good stuff yes,but judging by the fact they have submitted a second application to demolish despite NSC commissioning it's own report which clearly states people want 'The Trop' back this might fall on death ears like everything else 'Trop WSM' are trying sad to say
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mikeyw
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Good stuff. Weston needs a working Tropicana. NSC should be ashamed of themselves.
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Bucket and Spade brigade
Thursday, May 17, 2012