A small van selling tea and coffee could soon be offering refreshment to visitors at Dawlish Countryside Park.

The award-winning park is owned and run by Teignbridge District Council, which has been approached by several people asking for a refreshments van in the car park.

The council has also spoken to people interested in running a small tea and coffee facility on the site.

In response it drew up an application for a change of use to two parking spaces near the pedestrian entrance to the park.

This will enable a small van or trailer to sell drinks there, but there will be no outdoor seating or other visitor amenities, only waste disposal and recycling facilities.

Concerns raised about litter

Dawlish Town Council has been consulted on the proposal, and made no objection, but said there should be strict controls on litter.

District councillors agreed that litter must be controlled, while acknowledging that it can be difficult to enforce.

However, as owners of the land they would be able to end the lease if there were problems.

On Tuesday, October 27, the planning committee approved the application, with the additional condition that the appearance and structure of the refreshment facility must be suitable for its surroundings.

The district council will now tender a lease to provide refreshments at the site.