Readers will recall when EDDC got so panicky about vast swathes of undeveloped land at Skypark, on the edge of Cranbrook, that it created the seemingly batty idea to relocate its headquarters ther – 10-25 miles away from its voters and practically in the lap of Exeter City Council.
That was fairly quickly knocked on the head (but not without tens of thousands of our pounds being wasted – Owl wonders how much the mostly- vacant site is still costing us).
So far, there seem to be only two businesses at EDDC’s flagship Skypark – DHL couriers and an ambulance call centre.
In July of this year, St Modwyn put in a planning application for reserved matters on the site, including construction of an office block.
The planning application is:
16/1462/MRES
The erection of an office block, landscaping, car parking and associated access and infrastructure (Reserved Matters application in pursuance of outline planning permission ref: 06/3300/MOUT)
Skypark Clyst Honiton Exeter EX5 2D
Planning application describes:
… creche, 150 bed hotel, cafes, leisure and conference facilities, relocated football ground, clubhouse and facilities, strategic open space (including flood attenuation) …
It was originally submitted in July 2016, and further information was submitted 21 September 2016.
Does anyone recall a hotel, conference centre and football pitch in the original plans? Whose pitch is being relocated?
Here is a paper trail:
https://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
Surely such a big change, especially after ten years (2006 – 06/3300/MOUT) should merit a new planning application?
East Devon Watch 
I agree with the summary – the existing planning permission is for specific classes of development i.e. storage units, industrial units etc. A change to use it for retail, leisure, tourism etc. is a significantly different use and presumably does not fall within the approved use classes. [Additional research required to confirm what class of sue was approved and whether the new proposals meet those classes.]
More to the point, Skypark was a key part of EDDC’s strategy for employment sites. If Modwen are now suggesting that it should be used as e.g. a football pitch, what does that do to EDDC’s strategy? And what does it say about East Devon attractiveness for business to locate within? And if Modwen cannot attract industrial / storage businesses to Skypark which is ideal for such activities given its proximity to major transport infrastructure and employees (Exeter and Cranbrook), why does it make sense to have an industrial area in Sidford?
As usual, EDDC’s plans are in complete disarray, without logic, consistency or transparency.
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Perhaps Ford’s would relocate to Skypark. It would make more sense than building on the utterly inappropriate site at Sidford.
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