Daily Archives: 1 Feb 2015

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1 Feb 2015

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Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Working practices change – but EDDC seems not to be adapting

Sunday Times, section 7, Appointments

“Time for change as the days of working nine to five fade

“In the future, certainly in the West, there will be fewer full-time jobs and more part-time jobs. There will be fewer core workers and more contingent ones. More people will work from home. Work will be a thing you do, not a place you go to.”

So, shall we need all these extra offices and industrial sheds (5 hectares in Sidford alone) or is this yesterday’s thinking – or yesterday’s misplaced greed?

Or is it that sheds and offices (even if empty) will attract tax breaks, write-offs or business rates for our landowners and council where home working will not?

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1 Feb 2015

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EDDC, Knowle/Honiton/Exmouth relocation

Better late …. EDDC falling “flat on its face” says ruling party councillor

We broke this story 10 days ago but good to see the Midweek Herald catching up on Councillor Peter Halse saying EDDC has fallen flat on its face with the relocation project:

http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/eddc_relocation_we_ve_fallen_flat_on_our_face_1_3937665

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1 Feb 2015

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Clyst St Mary, Democracy, Development Management Committee, East Devon Alliance, EDDC, Environment (local), Latest news, Local Plan, National Planning Policy Framework, NPPF, West End: WestClyst BroadClyst/ Pinhoe

Planning reminder from Save Clyst St Mary

Urgent reminder from Save Clyst St Mary Campaign:

‘Thank you to everyone who has paid their money that was previously pledged. Every penny is gratefully appreciated. Anyone can donate – you simply need to pay your money into the SaveClyst ST Mary account via the village Post Office or if you prefer to do it electronically, into Natwest Bank account: 56-00-49 32633181

Please be aware that there are only forty six letters of objection on the East Devon Council website. We desperately need to get that number over one hundred (at least – the Winslade Park proposal had over two hundred) so please do post or email your objections as soon as possible (remember, the closing date is now only three days away).

If you decide to input your comments directly on to EDDC’s site, do check that the comments actually appear! A number seem to have vanished into cyber world. EDDC is aware of the issue and has requested that anyone who has problems contacts them immediately.

Finally, don’t forget the meeting in the village hall Thursday 5th February at 7.30pm. Charlie Hopkins(Expert planning consultant) will be attending. This meeting will be focusing specifically on the proposal to demolish a house in Clyst Valley Road and build forty houses on the field, currently owned by the Plymouth Brethren, situated adjacent to Clyst Valley Football Club’s grounds.

A big thank you to you all for your continued support. As we have said previously, it’s a big challenge ahead of us – but together, we can do it!’

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1 Feb 2015

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EDDC, Environment (local), Exmouth, Latest news, National Planning Policy Framework, NHS (local)

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New group of Exmouth campaigners mobilise support.

East Devon Watch has received a circular from the Marley Planning group who are objecting to a plan for 150 houses (on top of 350 from another developer in adjacent land) off Marley Road, Exmouth. The plan appears to have the hallmarks of a speculative application recognised as being able to take advantage of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) situation. An attempt to have the land included last time around was thrown out.

The planning application is 14/3022/MOUT and objections must be in no later that 10th February. Copies of objections should go to Exmouth Town Council.

For anyone wishing to add their voice to the objections,the Marley Planning Group Campaigners have prepared a draft letter of objection which can be used as it is, or modified as required. Details at this link Proforma Letter Marley Planning Group . For further information please e-mail marleyleyplanning@yahoo.co.uk .

EDW footnotes:
-Readers may be aware that the developer cut down a sizeable ancient oak before the community consultation.

-The applicant’s submitted documents claim there would be no impact on the local surgery, based solely on the fact that the surgery (Raleigh Surgery) still takes new patients. However, we are told that one of the partners has said in the press they could not absorb such numbers without significant resources.

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1 Feb 2015

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Sidmouth/ Sidford/ Sidbury

Sidmouth: are more chain stores needed?

Conversation on Sidmouth Herald Streetlife section:

Chains to revitalise Sidmouth?

Q: Interesting letters in yesterday’s Herald – especially the one concerning Chain shops. Some very valid points raised – a couple of which I find myself aligned to.

A: High street chains are not the panacea. Be careful what you wish for. Suggest you visit the New Economics Foundation website. They have previously produced reports on clone towns (i.e. those which are full of chain stores). Exeter is a prime example.

http://www.neweconomics.org/publications/entry/reimagining-the-high-street

“The towns most dependent on the biggest chains and out of town stores have proven to be most vulnerable to the economic crisis.”

Another A: Big national chains can’t be good, not here and pretty much nowhere else. I can also see no urgent need to revitalise Sidmouth, the town is much more vital than many others. Independents are the way to go and thankfully, we have them.

I asked yesterday in the Rainbow store in Honiton when they’d close. They are a 5 shops ‘chain’ as far as I know and currently advertise a closing down sale. Apparently, they found out yesterday that they don’t have to close at all. Good.

[Note from EDW: Rainbow has “Store Closing” sales at other branches in East Devon where April 2015 has been given as the final closing date:

http://www.middevongazette.co.uk/Tiverton-homeware-store-Rainbow-announces-closure/story-25803352-detail/story.html

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1 Feb 2015

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Claire Wright, General Election

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General Election: balance of power

It seems Independent MPs and the very small parties may well hold the balance of power after the next General Election whichever mainstream party has most seats. One vote either way on a contentious issue such as the NHS might well be crucial.

Time for Ladbroke’s to drop Claire Wright’s odds again perhaps!