Buildings at North Devon District Hospital over 50 years old

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey will hear about North Devon District Hospital’s ageing operating theatre and critical care infrastructure  when he visits next week.

Alison Stephenson, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk 

Because of its remoteness, North Devon Liberal Democrat MP Ian Roome wants the Barnstaple hospital to be made a special case as the government undertakes its review into planned upgrades formerly announced by the Conservatives.

A number of Lib Dem MPs in Devon have joined a petition by Cornish MP Ben Maguire demanding the government reconsiders the review and allows the works to go ahead. They include Steve Darling (Torbay) and Caroline Voaden (South Devon).  Torbay Hospital and a new women’s and children’s hospital at Treliske in Cornwall are also on the list as is Derriford’s new urgent and emergency care facility.

The New Hospital Programme (NHP) was expected to be backed with £20 billion of funding but health secretary Wes Streeting says the plan is “not deliverable”.

MPs are now concerned that the hospitals in review – ones without business case approval for their main build phase – could be cancelled.

Mr Roome, a former mental health nurse, said former Tory health minister Lord Markham visited North Devon District Hospital (NDDH) last summer and promised spades would be in the ground by February this year.

“We have not seen a penny. It’s all been about business cases and consultants,” he said. “It is absolutely imperative that the government’s review into the New Hospital Programme at NDDH focuses on urgent needs in the area. The decision to scrap these plans would be catastrophic.”

He has invited Mr Davey to visit on Wednesday.

“The NDDH has a high level of on-site infrastructure risk and, given that it’s the most remote mainland hospital in England, the effects of losing this funding could be devastating, forcing people to travel long distances to access essential care,” said Mr Roome.

He said the hospital provided a 24/7 emergency service and is a designated trauma unit, meaning it could “stabilise the most severe conditions” before patients are transferred to more specialised hospitals at Bristol, Plymouth of London.

“The thing is if you lose a hospital in London, there is another 10 minutes away. That is not the case here in North Devon. Patients in Lynton and Lynmouth face a two hour trip to get to Exeter.

“Our hospital is over-capacity as it is, and the theatre and intensive care unit are over 50 years old.”

At a board meeting of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust this week, chief executive Sam Higginson said the trust is continuing to make the case for NDDH “very strongly” with the government.

He said they are concerned “if there was a failure there what the implications of that might be for patients” given risks faced with the ageing theatre and critical care infrastructure.

“I, and the chair, have both written to the secretary of state for health to make that case yet again and invited him to come and visit us in Barnstaple to see for himself.” he said.

“We think we will see some outcome from the review around about budget time (Wednesday 30 October) and we will convene as a board to decide the next steps once we are clear what the future holds

“The most important thing for me is that we end up in a position where we have safe and appropriate infrastructure.”

In a letter to MPs in constituencies affected by the review, Mr Streeting said the previous government failed to hold a spending review in their last few years of office, which allowed the Conservatives to suugest £20 billion of investment for hospitals which hadn’t been accounted for.

Conservative MP for South West Devon Rebecca Smith has launched her own petition to save the urgent and emergency care facility at Derriford.

She said: “I welcome the fact that the government is still considering this essential scheme. The capacity challenges at Derriford Hospital are in plain sight. Its health workers operate in an extremely challenging environment. Every day my inbox is filled with emails from constituents who are left waiting for treatment at Derriford Hospital.”
 

Work to replace four toilet blocks in Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton and Honiton is set to begin soon.

Adam Manning www.exmouthjournal.co.uk

Construction is expected to last around two to three months at each site. The scheduled start dates (weather permitting) are as follows: 

·     Exmouth (Foxholes): Monday, 7th October 

·     Budleigh Salterton (East End, Lime Kiln): Monday, 21st October 

·     Seaton (West Walk): Monday, 4th November 

·     Honiton (Lace Walk): Monday, 18th November 

Initial works will involve site set-up and essential surveys, with major groundworks commencing at the Exmouth site near the beginning of November with other sites following shortly thereafter. 

All investment works are scheduled for completion by early 2025, with the Exmouth site expected to be finished in December and the Honiton site by February. 

Temporary toilet facilities will be provided at Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, and Seaton throughout the works, but no temporary facilities will be available at Lace Walk, Honiton, due to levels of usage and access to other public toilets in locality.

The works will provide modern fit-for-purpose facilities, improved accessibility and generally a more pleasant user experience.

This project follows the 2021 Public Toilet Review consultation. Read more: East Devon Council extend closing date for public toilets.

A new toilet block was proposed at Ham East in Sidmouth, but the planning application was refused.

Temporary toilets will be provided at all phase one sites except Lace Walk, Honiton. Accessible toilets will also be available, and no radar key will be required. 

The new toilets will cost 40p to use, and showers will be installed at all seafront locations. 

The work is part of an East Devon District Council (EDDC) public toilet investment programme majority funded by the council with top-up funding from national government towards new adult changing places facilities at the Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton sites.

For more information, visit the EDDC website.

Five thousand Devon potholes have been fixed in just six months using a device known as a ‘dragon patcher’.

Bradley Gerrard, local democracy reporter www.radioexe.co.uk 

Devon’s Dragon Patchers flying through pothole repairs (image courtesy: Devon County Council)

The machines, which emits flames, are being used across the county’s vast road network to tackle the huge number of damaged surfaces.

Since April, more than 33,000 square metres of material have been laid to fix potholes and road damage across 5,250 patches.

The success of the dragon patchers appears to be because the heat of their flames helps the repair material bond effectively to the existing road surface.

Cllr Jerry Brook (Conservative, Chudleigh and Teign Valley) told the county council’s corporate infrastructure and regulatory services scrutiny committee he had been “criss-crossing” Devon recently and had seen a clear improvements on the roads.

“There has been an enormous amount of work and therefore improvement to our network in quite a short space of time,” he said.

“Some places are diabolical still and they may never get done, but I want to say congratulations to the team as there has been quite considerable improvement.”

The committee’s chair, Frank Letch (Liberal Democrat, Crediton), added: “I would reiterate that in my area too.”

In the first four months of this financial year, more than 24,000 potholes were recorded – a 54 per cent increase on the same period last year.

The council’s highways department was helped by an extra £12 million in funding.

More than £7 million of this has been put towards capital funding, which has allowed the council to double the number of patching teams from two to four.
 

Paul Arnott 

A couple of weeks ago East Devon held a double celebration at its Blackdown House HQ, meant to happen in June but postponed due to the sudden calling of the general election. In one part of the afternoon, I was privileged on behalf of the people of East Devon to co-sign the Veteran’s Charter with Major Mark Latham RM. This had been the idea of Cllr Vicky Johns from Ottery St Mary, who comes from a forces’ family

The charter commits your council to redouble its efforts on behalf of the nearly eight thousand ex forces personnel and reservists who live in the East Devon district. Most thrive, but for many there are challenges around both jobs and housing when they leave their service, as well as lifelong medical conditions. As a council we already do try and help with steering them in the right direction. Signing the charter now weaves this commitment into the fabric of everything we do.

The other part of the afternoon involved marking the 50th anniversary of East Devon District Council itself, which arose from a massive reorganisation of local government back in 1974. It was great to welcome back at least one councillor who’d been first elected back then which unusually made me feel very young.

The timing of it was ironic, because at this very moment local government where we live is undertaking another, slightly odd change. I am mindful that for most readers this is an epic yawn, so I’ll try to be brief. Essentially, if you live in East Devon and think about your council tax bill, that’ll help.

In very approximate terms, if you pay £2,300 Council Tax per year, roughly £80 is for your parish or town council, £100 for Fire and Rescue, about £160 for East Devon District, £260 for the Police, and by far the largest share, £1,700 to Devon County Council.

That huge chunk to the County Council covers big ticket items such as Adult and Young People’s Social Care, Highways (Potholes!!), Education, Libraries and local economic strategy to worry about. All of which is horribly underfunded from central government.

But as of last week, the government signed off on Devon County Council together with Torbay Council (both “unitary” authorities) forming a “Combined County Authority” (CCA). Technically, this makes no difference to the bodies listed two paragraphs back, but it becomes a joint endeavour which can draw down greater infrastructure funding from central government, plan more strategically with Homes England, and have a bigger say in the region’s transport arrangements, amongst other things.

It’s all early days at the moment, and there is a measure of genuine surprise in the two major cities in Devon, both Labour-led, that the new government has rushed to rubber-stamp what was very much a Conservative idea. Plymouth in particular had pulled out of the CCA idea but it looks now very much that, having forlornly courted an unwilling Cornwall to join up with them, their own party is pushing them back into the CCA.

One clear advantage is that it staves off the potty idea of a Mayor for a totally unitary Devon. But with County Council elections looming in May, it’s all to play for on who will actually end up rolling all this out.

Civic Voice highlights the need for stronger community involvement and housing affordability measures

http://www.civicvoice.org.uk 

Civic Voice, the national charity for civic societies, has today submitted its response to the Government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, which was published on 30 July 2024. Engaging with civic societies and community groups across across the country, Civic Voice collected input through surveys, briefings, webinars, and discussions, ensuring that the views of local communities were heard.

In total, seven events were held, attended by 202 individuals, with an additional 405 responses through an online survey and 366 detailed email submissions from individuals, civic societies and other community organisations. These contributions helped shape Civic Voice’s comprehensive response to the Government’s proposals.

Key points from Civic Voice’s response include

Housing Affordability: Civic Voice emphasises that simply increasing housing targets will not automatically result in more homes being built or lower house prices. Without targeted reforms, the private sector may continue to prioritise high-end developments, leaving the urgent need for affordable and social housing unmet. Civic Voice calls for stronger public sector involvement, empowering local authorities and housing associations to meet community needs.

Community Involvement: Civic Voice urges the Government to strengthen Statements of Community Involvement, ensuring that local communities have a meaningful role in shaping major planning decisions. Public engagement must be an ongoing process at every stage of development to rebuild trust and ensure local voices are not just heard, but acted upon.

Strategic Planning: Civic Voice supports enhanced strategic planning at sub-regional levels, potentially overseen by combined authorities, to address complex housing and infrastructure issues. Local housing markets should be assessed by regional bodies, with findings used to guide public investment programmes.

Net Zero and VAT Reform: Civic Voice highlights the urgent need for planning policy to support the Government’s net zero ambitions. Building new homes must go hand in hand with sustainability goals, ensuring developments are energy-efficient and contribute to carbon reduction targets. To this end, Civic Voice calls for reform to the VAT system to incentivise retrofitting and refurbishment of existing homes. Lowering VAT on these projects would encourage greener building practices, support the transition to net zero, and reduce carbon emissions, helping to make homes more energy efficient.  

Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice: “The current housing crisis isn’t just about numbers—it’s about ensuring that the homes being built are genuinely affordable and meet the needs of the people who need them. If we allow the large housebuilders to continue to dominate, the problem will be prolonged, leaving the urgent need for affordable and social housing unmet. We cannot solve the affordable housing crisis without stronger public sector leadership and viewing communities as partners in these national challenges. Communities should be at the centre of decision-making, not sidelined. Using local knowledge and input can speed up decision-making. The future of planning must put local voices first, through local plans ensuring the developments we build meet local needs and contribute to our net zero ambitions.”

Next Steps

Civic Voice looks forward to continued dialogue with Ministers and officials on the NPPF consultation, as well as on future planning reform proposals. We remain committed to ensuring that local communities have a real say in shaping the future of their areas and will continue to advocate for greater housing affordability and strategic planning measures., including latest announcements on brownfield passports, and retrofttting.

To read Civic Voice’s full response, click this link. 

More than 8,000 people in the over-80s in Honiton and Sidmouth risk losing Winter Fuel Payments.

Bobby Angelov www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

The latest official statistics reveal that these pensioners, previously benefiting from £300 each to stay warm, are set to lose this support unless they qualify for other benefits.

The cuts affect those who previously received pension credit.

The Liberal Democrats have voiced concerns over the government’s decision, urging ministers to “protect vulnerable pensioners”.

In total, 25,921 pensioners in Honiton and Sidmouth risk losing support due to the cuts.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, Richard Foord, said: “Thousands of people in Mid- and East Devon are desperately worried about how they will make ends meet this winter.

“Vulnerable older pensioners shouldn’t be racked with worry; these figures are deeply worrying.

“I have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this Government’s decision.

“Cutting these payments for thousands who are barely getting by, is the wrong decision.

“It is not too late for the Government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners in Devon this winter.”

Nationally, Age UK has previously stated that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments.

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.

The winter fuel payment is a tax-free payment designed to help elderly people cover their heating costs.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer was met with boos at his party conference over the winter fuel cuts (Image: PA)

Following the Chancellor’s announcement in July, winter fuel payments – previously eligible for all pensioners – will now be limited to those who receive pension credit.

The policy has proved to be controversial as the Labour leadership lost a conference vote on winter fuel payments at the Labour conference.

The opening of a new supermarket in a Devon new town will be the beginning of a “vibrant and much used town centre”, a local councillor says.

www.bbc.co.uk

Morrisons has confirmed it was “working hard” to open the store between Badger Way and Tilllhouse Road in Cranbrook, near Exeter, in early 2025 or sooner.

East Devon District Councillor for Cranbrook and town council member Kevin Blakey said that, despite the long delays, he believed the opening was “worth the wait”.

He said the new supermarket would allow people to shop locally, rather than having travel to Ottery St Mary and Exeter.

The council said work for the new town centre, which began in October 2022, was set to includes shops, a nursery, residential apartments, a market square and the supermarket.

Mr Blakey said the design and the layout “looked good” and, come the new year, it would be a “massive improvement for many” nearby.

He said: “Some people have argued that it has just been a vast housing estate, and there is an argument for that; but the economics come into play here, which is the money doesn’t appear out of nowhere.

“It comes from development, the infrastructure around Cranbrook and any other developments that come from selling houses.

“[For] retailers, there has to be enough people resident here to make it worthwhile opening”

Mr Blakey said he believed the supermarket would be the biggest part of the town centre and, economically, the most important, helping, with other shop units, to let the town benefit from an increased footfall.

He said: “It is the beginnings of what we are pretty certain will be a vibrant and much used town centre; not just for the people who live in Cranbrook, but for those in the surrounding villages which, perhaps… do not even have a village shop anymore.”

He added the whole development was created based on it being “the first town in Devon for 500 years, adding it was “never going to be built overnight”.

Morrisons said: “We are looking forward to welcoming customers and we’re working hard to open the store very early next year, or sooner, if regulations permit us to do so.”

Covid is on the rise in England, and experts have warned that more must be done to prevent and control infections after a “capitulation to the virus”.

Nicola Davis www.theguardian.com 

Prof Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London, said those working in the field were perplexed by the current attitude to the battle against Covid, as the latest figures showed an increase in hospital admissions.

The latest data for England from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that hospital admissions increased to 3.71 per 100,000 population for the week between 16 and 22 September 2024, compared with 2.56 per 100,000 the previous week.

The percentage of people with symptoms who have tested positive for Covid, based on tests at sentinel “spotter” laboratories, has also risen in the last week to 11.8% compared with 9.1% in the previous week.

Altmann described the prevailing stance on the virus as a “capitulation”. “To those who work in this field, the current attitude of acceptance to losing this war of attrition against Covid is puzzling and a little desperate,” he said.

“The data, both in the UK and US, show that the current Omicron subvariants are hugely successful at punching through any dwindling population immunity, so that we tolerate huge prevalence of around 12%. Our capitulation to the virus is a combination of a population where most are now many months or years from their last vaccine dose, and that vaccine dose was in any case poorly cross-protective for the very distinct current variants.

“Clearly, there is behavioural polarisation between those who are worried by this and look for mitigation, and those who think we must learn live with it and paid too high a price for our earlier measures,” he said.

Dr Simon Williams, from Swansea University, added that surveys suggest there is also a large group of people who are not thinking much about Covid at all. “Part of this is psychological – for two to three years it was something people had to think about all the time and is something that for many had many negative memories and feelings attached to it,” he said.

While Altmann said debate around measures needed to be properly informed and data-driven and to avoid extreme stances, it was important not to trivialise the impact of the virus.

“Those at the weaker end of the immune response spectrum may often experience four or more breakthrough infections per year. These may range from mild to those needing several days of work, with all the associated economic costs, plus any additional NHS burden,” he said.

Altmann also stressed the impact of long Covid, noting that it is thought to affect around 400 million people globally – with 3% lost workforce and a global cost estimate of $1tn annually – and can arise even in vaccinated people following reinfection.

The latest Covid data comes as a new variant is expected to become prevalent in the coming months. Known as XEC, it was first identified in Germany over the summer, and cases have already been identified in the UK. It is thought to have emerged from two other Covid variants, themselves descended from the BA.2.86 variant.

However, experts have said that, at present, XEC is not thought to cause different symptoms from previous variants and does not appear to be fuelling a surge in cases. It is also expected that Covid vaccinations and past infections will continue to offer protection against severe disease.

While bookings for the NHS autumn Covid booster jabs opened this week, Altmann said they should be offered more widely, together with increased use of lateral flow testing to avoid the spread of Covid.

Williams added that it was strange that more had not been done to clean indoor air and improve ventilation in public spaces including schools.

But while he backed offering boosters more widely, he also raised concerns: “I worry that again this autumn we will see a relatively low uptake of the booster among priority groups, including younger adults with a compromised immune system.”

Clear as mud to Owl.

South West Water has updated Sidmouth Town Council on their work in the town to add ‘sewer improvements’ around The Ham.

Adam Manning www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

The latest Sidmouth Town Council meeting took place on Monday September 2, where representatives for South West Water Charlie Ford and Kathy Merchant, gave an update to Members regarding the ongoing Remedial Works Project and installation of a new tank at The Ham. 

The work they are doing on The Ham is split into four parts. Which is currently in the ‘design phase.’ Work is due to start in October.

Find out more about the work on the South West Water website. Sidmouth Sewer Improvement Scheme | Projects and Investments

The first is Infiltration, which is water from manhole covers, to stop infiltration we’ll be lining, repairing and replacing our pipes and manhole covers in hotspot areas. We call this rehabilitation work.

The second part is building a bigger storm overflow in The Ham. The third is building new sewers which has one to hold the foul flows and one to hold surface water. 

The last part is ‘significantly reducing’ reliance on the storm overflows in Sidmouth and investing in their maintenance – upgrading their screens and relocating our monitoring chambers. 

A spokesman for South West Water said: “This work will help reduce the impact of overflows on the environment, and allow us to better monitor, check and maintain the overflows.

“But we know that sometimes the sewer system is struggling to cope. Our investigations tell us that this is for a number of reasons including population growth in the area, groundwater entering the sewers, and the age of some of our assets.

“We’re on a mission to reduce the impact the town’s sewerage system is having on the environment.

“We’ve done a lot of investigating and surveying to find the best solution for Sidmouth’s sewerage system. Some of those are still ongoing, and we’ve got others planned as the scheme moves forward.”

South West Water also said they are ‘working fast to reduce spills in Sidmouth. Sidmouth has enjoyed Excellent bathing water for many years now.’

The launch ceremony, organised by Cranbrook Town Council, will take place on Saturday, September 28, from 11am to 12pm at the Younghayes Centre.

Bobby Angelov www.midweekherald.co.uk

The new service aims to help residents and visitors navigate the town more easily, particularly to key locations like the award-winning Cranbrook Country Park.

The initiative follows the recent opening of the Cranbrook Skate Park and Pump Track.

Cranbrook’s mobility scooter scheme is co-funded by Devon County Council, LiveWest, and Move More Cranbrook.

The launch event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Cranbrook Town Councillors and project sponsors, with a demonstration ride to the country park.

The mobility scooter has reportedly received positive feedback during its trial phase, with residents expressing appreciation for the boost in town mobility.

Available for free hire on weekdays from 10am to 2pm, the scooter can be booked in two-hour slots.

This service allows users to explore more of Cranbrook’s local amenities and the recently awarded Green Flag and Treescape Award-winning Cranbrook Country Park.

Bookings can be made through the Cranbrook Town Council office at the Younghayes Centre.

The introduction of the mobility scooter is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for those with mobility challenges in the community.

By providing a means to access more areas of the town, the service aims to ensure that all residents and visitors can enjoy the full range of amenities and attractions Cranbrook has to offer.

This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mobility and accessibility in fostering an inclusive community.

More information about the service and its benefits will be available at the launch event.

A year-long programme of mental health support for East Devon school children and their parents has been praised after the Covid recovery initiative achieved several positive outcomes, including greater awareness of mental health in school communities and increased confidence among pupils.

eastdevon.gov.uk 

Wishing to shift its attention from the immediate impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and focus on restoring strength in communities, East Devon District Council used funding from the government’s Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) – designed to support local Covid-related public health projects – to facilitate activities in two schools in Axminster.

Axminster was selected to receive the support because feedback and insight from East Devon councillors, council officers and agencies such as the police indicated that mental health support would be welcomed in the area.

Multiple reports suggest that some young people’s mental health and wellbeing was substantially impacted during the pandemic. According to the Department for Education’s State of the Nation report (2021) “evidence indicated lower wellbeing in December 2020 and February 2021, when schools were closed to most pupils, compared to previous months in the academic year.” Additionally, data from February and March 2021 shows that rates of likely mental disorder in children and young people increased between 2017 and 2021.

During the 2023/24 academic year, East Devon District Council commissioned third sector groups Action East Devon, HeadsUp and Parental Minds to help to address the emotional and psychological needs of children and parents as they navigated life after the pandemic.

Children were supported throughout the year at St Mary’s Primary School and Axe Valley Academy, where the school communities benefited from a mixture of:

• One-on-one and group counselling from qualified professionals.
• Training to become mental health ambassadors, increasing subject knowledge.
• Workshops for parents, fostering stronger family relationships and communication.
• Face to face and virtual support hubs – including self-sustaining peer support groups.
• Events, including parents’ coffee mornings, to raise awareness in informal settings.
• Training for teaching assistants.
• Lunch clubs.
• Phone support during half terms and holidays, to address feelings of isolation.

Among the key outcomes from the project, children and parents reported they:

• Had a better understanding of mental health.
• Felt more confident and had higher self-esteem.
• Were in better physical health and had an improved standard of self-care.
• Were sleeping better.
• Felt a stronger sense of identity, self-expression and resilience.
• Had better access to work and a stronger commitment to school and education.
• Experienced healthier relationships.

In one situation, a child and their caregiver were struggling with their mental health. During the programme, the caregiver had frequent support calls which made them feel “less alone, helpless and isolated” and gave them strength to support their child. The child also received support and is now able to attend school and enjoys socialising with their friends.

A parent who received support said: “Knowing that someone was at the end of the phone really helped put my mind at ease. As a parent, lots of people say ‘remember to look after yourself’ but no one really has the practical advice on how to do this when there are so many demands to keep your child safe. The support, information and network are the gifts that keep me going.”

The 2023/24 programme was made possible through non-recurrent COMF funding. Any potential expansion to other parts of East Devon will be subject to additional funding being available.

Councillor Dan Ledger, Portfolio Holder Sustainable Homes and Communities, East Devon District Council, said: “Our health directly influences our quality of life and that of our families and the communities around us. We know that many people are still struggling after the Covid pandemic and the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, so we are pleased to have funded some support for Axminster school students and their parents and carers. As good mental health is so important for everyone’s wellbeing, we are very grateful to the many local voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprise organisations working hard to support our communities across East Devon.”

Lola Coombs, Wellbeing Coordinator, Action East Devon, said: “We would like to thank East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and Axminster Town Council for helping to fund and support our wonderful school mentoring service at Axe Valley Academy. We would not have been able to do this without them, nor would the students have received the support they needed at the time they needed it most.”

Paula Baker, Director, HeadsUp, said: “St Mary’s Primary School was very welcoming during our time there and we feel we made a difference to the children’s lives. We developed a good working relationship with Parental Minds, and we signposted all the parents from our parent workshops to their support, so there was ongoing help available for those in need. Thank you to East Devon District Council for the funding the work.”

Vanessa Rossiter, Parental Minds, said: “It’s great that Axe Valley Academy staff are now using our Thrive directories and attending our skills workshops. We remain committed to continuing and enhancing our collaboration with other local support groups to benefit the community. We are so grateful for the support from the East Devon District Council, which has enabled us to make a tangible impact on the mental wellbeing of families in the area.”

Sideshore Community (text from facebook post)

Thousands of you have now registered your interest in legal action against SWW. This is amazing news!! Keep telling your friends, neighbours and colleagues to join this community action. The more we have, the greater our voice.

https://leighdaylaw.info/ExmouthSewagePollution?r=qr

Please continue to support our local businesses who have suffered from all the negative press on beach closures. And remember there are many days when the Surfers Against Sewage app has a green tick on Exmouth. It’s really important that we get that message out there too.#ExmouthvsSWW #PoolutionSolution

https://leighdaylaw.info/ExmouthSewagePollution?r=qr

[Backed by Feargal Sharkey]

Due to a recently announced protest scheduled to take place in Central London on October 26th, the March for Clean Water will now be taking place on Sunday 3rd November.

Molly Allen riveractionuk.com

Chair and Founder of River Action Charles Watson said, “Thousands of people and more than 90 charities, organisations and community groups have pledged their support to the family-friendly March for Clean Water.  It promises to be a positive, loud and colourful demonstration of the public’s outrage at the dire state of the UK’s polluted rivers, seas and lakes.  Join us on the streets of London on Sunday 3rd November to send a clear message to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that the people of Great Britain will no longer tolerate the manner in which the making of dirty money has been allowed by the government to be prioritised at the expense of clean water.”

Melissa Green, CEO of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes said: “The Women’s Institute proudly stands with the March for Clean Water, and WI members will be travelling from across the country to join forces on Sunday 3rd November.

 “We invite all our members who want to see decisive action to resolve the water crisis once and for all, to march alongside us. While we’re encouraged by the government’s response to our calls for a comprehensive review of the water system, we must ensure this opportunity is not wasted. Now is the time for bold, urgent action to deliver lasting solutions.”

Patrick Begg, Outdoors & Natural Resources Director at the National Trust said: “We are disappointed that the date of the march was forced to change, but remain fully supportive of this march which is now on Sunday 3^rd November.

“Water is our most precious commodity, and we play fast and loose with it at our peril.  Yet only 14 percent of rivers across England are in good ecological health, and severe droughts and floods have become more commonplace. Urgent action is needed. 

“We urge the government to adopt a comprehensive source-to-sea water management strategy. This includes tackling pollution at its origin, whether from agriculture, industry or from sewage outflows. But is also means restoring peat bogs, creating more space for water in our landscapes, and reducing water waste – without which we won’t succeed in making our rivers healthier for both nature and people, or resilient in the face of a changing climate.”

Becky Malby, from the Ilkley Clean River Group, said, “At the March for Clean Water on 3rd November river users from across the nation will rally and send a unified message to the government of Sir Keir Starmer – we demand that you enforce existing environmental laws and prosecute the polluters responsible for the disgusting state of the UK’s rivers, seas and lakes.”

March for Clean Water, Central London on Sunday 3rd NovemberThousands of people dismayed at the appalling state of Britain’s waterways will join the March for Clean Water in London on Sunday 3rd November. Groups as diverse as British Rowing, Extinction Rebellion, the National Trust and the Women’s Institute have backed the march.

Together they will send a clear message to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: take immediate and decisive action to end the poisoning of our rivers, lakes and seas by the lethal cocktail of raw sewage, agricultural waste and other chemical pollutants, that over recent years have been allowed to leave most of our waterways so filthy that they present major risks to human health and untold damage to nature.

Visit: marchforcleanwater.org

Notes to editors
The March for Clean Water is on Sunday 3rd November. It will be a legal, peaceful, family-friendly and inclusive demonstration. Timings will be confirmed in the run up to the event.

River Action is an environmental charity on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers from the deluge of pollution that has left the majority of our waterways in a severely degraded ecological condition. Our campaigns to date have focussed on tackling the severe environmental crises created by both sewage and agricultural pollution.

Senior Tory spills the beans.

A correspondent reminds Owl that David Reed may be too young to remember Tory Councillor (and ex-member of the “Raving Loony Party”) Stuart Hughes’ all too true account of East Devon District Council’s planning policy circa 2017 under the “build, build, build” strategy – His educational video “We plan anywhere”.

Owl thinks this should be essential viewing for our new MP to get him “up to speed” of how we got into this mess and why the local Tory vote has been tanking ever since.

Stuart Hughes gained further notoriety as the Tory Chairman of EDDC in 2020 who, on the pretext of Covid, cancelled the May 2020 Annual Meeting in a shameful attempt to frustrate the Democratic Alliance and the Independent Progressive Group, led by councillor Paul Arnott taking over power as the majority group within EDDC.

At the time the Tories only held one third of the council seats. This was a denial of democracy.

Stuart Hughes finally resigned as chairman in June 2020. He remains both a District and County Councillor.

• Erection of Replacement Gabion Retaining Structure Maycoes Branscombe Devon EX12 3DNRef. No: 24/1912/FUL | Validated: Fri 13 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of conditions for 23/0045/FUL : Condition 3 (tree protection plan) Beech House Green Lane Exton Devon EX3 0PWRef. No: 24/1916/DOC | Validated: Fri 13 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 23/1611/LBC: Condition 2 (materials) Cadhay House Cadhay Ottery St Mary EX11 1QTRef. No: 24/1899/DOC | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of conditions for 23/0087/FUL : Condition condition 4 (landscaping) Sutherlake Broadclyst Exeter EX5 3BLRef. No: 24/1903/DOC | Validated: Fri 13 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 23/0407/FUL: Condition 3 (alterations to and extension of existing stone boundary wall) and Condition 4 (access ramp & steps materials and railing details) Stanhope House 36 High Street Honiton EX14 1PJRef. No: 24/1906/DOC | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of Condition for 03/P1900: Condition 33 (i) a) (shop front/advertisement design for unit 2A only) Site Of Cranbrook New Community London Road BroadclystRef. No: 24/1905/DOC | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Minor amendment for application 24/0459/FUL : Minor alterations to the development footprint and fenestration on the ground floor 50 Arcot Park Sidmouth EX10 9HURef. No: 24/1908/NMA | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Installation of 2 no. illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. illuminated projecting sign, 1 no. lantern, 1no. non-illuminated fascia sign, and 1no. menu case Dolphin Hotel Fore Street Beer EX12 3EQRef. No: 24/1907/LBC | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Lawful development certificate (CLUED) for the use of a parcel of land as private amenity land, use of barn for private amenity purposes and use of caravan for private amenity purposes and overnight accommodation Land Lying To The South Of Ware Lane Lyme RegisRef. No: 24/1885/CPE | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 23/2240/FUL: Condition 3 (SUDS), Condition 4 (Materials), Condition 5 (Landscaping), Condition 6 (Bike Parking) & Condition 7 (Visability) Wild Flowers Seaton Road Colyford Colyton EX24 6QWRef. No: 24/1888/DOC | Validated: Wed 11 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 24/0179/FUL: Condition 6 (Solar Panels) June Cottage Hillside Road Sidmouth EX10 8JGRef. No: 24/1890/DOC | Validated: Wed 11 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed extension and alterations to the existing dwelling Hunthay Farm Axminster EX13 5RJRef. No: 24/1887/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed demolition of existing garage building and construction of two storey extension to existing dwelling 31 Cridlake Axminster EX13 5BTRef. No: 24/1889/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Erection of an agricultural building, to be used for growing mushrooms and general storage associated with the agricultural enterprise Chineway Farm Putts Corner Sidbury Sidmouth EX10 0QQRef. No: 24/1886/AGR | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 23/0200/LBC: Condition 3 (external bathroom vent) Orchard Cottage Harcombe Sidmouth EX10 0PRRef. No: 24/1898/DOC | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Variation of condition no.2, (Approved Plans), from planning permission 23/0299/FUL Proposed front porch added to primary access door on street facing elevation, with rear single storey extension to living room. Rear and side single storey extension to garage, changes in proposed design and fenestration. The Green Cotleigh Honiton EX14 9HDRef. No: 24/1881/VAR | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Variation of Condition Number 2 (approved plans) on Planning Permission 24/0075/FUL (Construction of rear extension, loft conversion with new roof and timber cladding on North West elevation) proposal for changes in roof design and fenestration 11 Harcombe Lane Sidford Sidmouth EX10 9QNRef. No: 24/1870/VAR | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of single storey rear extension and raised patio 19 Bennetts Hill Sidmouth EX10 9XHRef. No: 24/1882/FUL | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of Two composite roads for the safer movement of cattle.Newcourt Barton Clyst Road Topsham Exeter EX3 0DBRef. No: 24/1877/AGR | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 24/0552/LBC: Condition 1(Approved Plans), Condition 2 (Works), Condition 3 (Building), Condition 4 (Roof details) 7 Bicton Street Exmouth Devon EX8 2RURef. No: 24/1878/DOC | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Certificate of lawful development for proposed single storey extension and rear dormer.53 New Street Honiton EX14 1BXRef. No: 24/1871/CPL | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Discharge of condition for 24/0531/AGR: Condition 3 (Archaeological written scheme of investigation) Mortice Farm Salcombe Regis Sidmouth EX10 0JHRef. No: 24/1883/DOC | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• T1 – Apple: reduce to 1m below previous pruning points (to 4m in height) and remove dead wood. T2 – Hawthorn: crown reduce to 2.5m-3m, reduce height to 4.5m above ground level and reduce lateral spread, maximum diameter cuts (MDC) of 100mm. Crown lift above shed to provide a 1m clearance, MDC 25mm. 3 Church Stile Cottages Church Stile Lane Woodbury Exeter EX5 1HPRef. No: 24/1861/TCA | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Removal of open porch at front door and replacement with first floor balcony; replace existing window (front elevation) with french windows 13 Taylor Crescent Exmouth EX8 2FTRef. No: 24/1856/FUL | Validated: Fri 13 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Part garage conversion (permitted development), single storey rear extension and the introduction of solar panels Tinkers Barn Payhembury Honiton EX14 3JQRef. No: 24/1822/FUL | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of single storey rear dining room and home office extension. Crossacres Hutgate Road Honiton EX14 9UYRef. No: 24/1819/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposal to extend existing building to provide more warehouse space. Fix 24 7 Ltd Harrier Court Exeter Airport Clyst Honiton Exeter EX5 2DRRef. No: 24/1807/FUL | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of single storey rear extension. 3 North Street Ottery St Mary EX11 1DRRef. No: 24/1799/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Retrospective siting of a temporary agricultural workers dwelling Higher Ponchydown Farm Blackborough Devon EX15 2HERef. No: 24/1798/FUL | Validated: Wed 11 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replace 2no. windows at first floor and 1no. door on south east elevation; replace 6no. windows at ground floor and 1no. door on north east elevation; replace 3no. windows at first floor, 3no. windows at ground floor and 1no. door on south west elevation and replace 1no. window at first floor and 1no. window on ground floor north west elevation Ullcombe Cottage Upottery EX14 9PARef. No: 24/1785/LBC | Validated: Fri 13 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Replacement of 9 seasonal caravans with 9 static caravans Ashdown Caravan Park Colyton Hill Colyton EX24 6HYRef. No: 24/1783/FUL | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Single storey flat roof extension to side, with vertical composite cladding 27 Pine Grove Honiton Devon EX14 2HURef. No: 24/1772/FUL | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Retrospective application for the addition of a fence on a boundary wall. Waldrons End Cottages Clyst Honiton Devon EX5 2NJRef. No: 24/1715/FUL | Validated: Wed 11 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Proposed three storey side extension and single storey rear extension, roof alteration and extension with alteration to fenestration, dormer on the North Elevation and glazed and tiled veranda. Proposed basement, Outbuilding to the rear of the property and replacement garage with terraced flat roof. Replacement 3m high retaining walls. 11 St Johns Road Exmouth EX8 4BYRef. No: 24/1711/FUL | Validated: Wed 11 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Installation of wall mounted blue plaque on front (south east) elevation 3 Fore Street Hill Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NWRef. No: 24/1671/LBC | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• New agricultural building for use as a secure tractor store, workshops and staffroom (NW) Crealy Barton Sidmouth Road Clyst St Mary Exeter EX5 1DRRef. No: 24/1625/FUL | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Retention of detached cabin within the garden for use as annexe/ancillary accommodation. Woodcote Cottage Upottery EX14 9PBRef. No: 24/1611/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Installation of 2 no. illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. illuminated projecting sign, 1 no. lantern, 1no. non-illuminated fascia sign, and 1no. menu case Dolphin Hotel Fore Street Beer EX12 3EQRef. No: 24/1590/ADV | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Re-roof: replace timbers and re-slate reusing existing where possible; new guttering on east and west elevation; replace 1no. window and bargeboards on south elevation; remove render and re-render where necessary and replace 1no. window on north elevation Cowley Manor Cowley EX5 5EJRef. No: 24/1476/LBC | Validated: Mon 09 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• Construction of a single storey side extension and addition of a first floor above existing detached garage 30A Douglas Avenue Exmouth Devon EX8 2HBRef. No: 24/1053/FUL | Validated: Thu 12 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision
• First-floor side extension. 4 Mayfield Drive Exmouth Devon EX8 2HDRef. No: 24/0484/FUL | Validated: Tue 10 Sep 2024 | Status: Awaiting decision

SWW hopes to reopen road tomorrow.

Newton Poppleford: traffic slow after water main bursts

Traffic delays are being reported through Newton Poppleford, after South West Water close the road after a burst water main.

Adam Manning www.sidmouthherald.co.uk

A section of the A3052 just outside Newton Poppleford at the bottom of Four Elms Hill is currently closed as contractors work to fix the broken section of pipe. The road is closed both ways and a diverson is in place until at least Thursday. 

As from around 2.30pm on Tuesday (September 24), delays are being reported through Newton Poppleford and towards Sidmouth on the A3052.

South West Water said: “We are working hard to fix a burst water main on the A3052 in Harpford, Sidmouth and are using tankers to keep customers in supply until this is fixed.

“We have had to close the road to carry out the work safely and we aim to reopen it on Thursday once the burst is fixed and the road is reinstated. A diversion route is in place.”

A major fire broke out overnight near Exeter. Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service received multiple calls following reports of a fire at a recycling centre within Greendale Business Park.

Shania King-Soyza www.devonlive.com – yesterday

The fire is said to have broken out around 1.23 am and was ongoing this morning. Three fire engines were initially sent out and once at the scene, crews confirmed efforts were being made to gain entry to the premises due to smoke issuing from the building.

Due to the number of appliances attending, an Incident Command Unit from Honiton and a further two supporting officers were also sent. An additional two water bowsers were then needed from Torquay and Danes Castle fire stations.

The fire within the building measures approximately 30m x 40m. Emergency services have been contacted for further information.

A full statement from the fire service read: “Fire control received a couple of calls to a fire at a recycling centre within Greendale Business Park, Exeter.

“Fire control immediately mobilised 3 fire appliances from Middlemoor and Clyst St George, 1 Aerial Ladder Platform from Danes Castle and a supporting officer.

“Once on scene crews confirmed efforts were being made to gain entry to premise due to smoke issuing from the building. Crews were using 2 Breathing Apparatus, 1 Hose Reel Jet and a Thermal Imaging Camera.

“Control received an assistance message from the incident ground requesting a further 2 fire appliances. These were both mobilised from Danes Castle. Due to the number of appliances attending, an Incident Command Unit from Honiton a further 2 supporting officers were also sent.

“A further assistance message was passed to control requesting the attendance of a water bowser, this was mobilised from Torquay. Shortly after, a second water bowser was required, this was mobilised from Danes Castle fire station.”

Update at 06:30 [yesterday] – 4 relief appliances from Exmouth, Sidmouth, Crediton and Bovey Tracey are now in place. Specialist officers at the incident have liaised with local businesses downwind of incident to support local business continuity.

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The number of winter payment recipients in 2023/24 ranges from 30K to 6K, a ratio of 5:1

None of the ten constituencies with the highest number of winter fuel payment recipients last year are currently represented by Labour MPs. Conversely, all bar one of the constituencies with the lowest number of recipients are represented by Labour MPs

Honiton and Sidmouth is the Devon constituency with the highest number at 27.8K. It also ranks sixth highest in the country.  Plymouth Sutton & Devonport.has the lowest at 14.5K, just over half the number.

Note constituencies must now have an electorate within 5% of the ‘electoral quota’ – now set at 73,393 registered voters – with just a few exceptions.

Source: www.independent.co.uk

Here is a list of the number of people who received the winter fuel payment during the winter of 2023/24 in each parliamentary constituency in Britain.

The figures have been published by the Department for Work & Pensions.

The list is ordered by the number of recipients in each constituency, starting with the highest.

The name of the political party that currently represents each constituency is given in brackets.

Top Ten winter fuel recipients last year

Clacton (Reform) 30,109

Christchurch (Con) 28,941

Dorset West (Lib Dems) 28,934

Louth & Horncastle (Con) 28,385

Norfolk North (Lib Dems) 28,251

Honiton & Sidmouth (Lib Dems) 27,774

Shropshire South (Con) 27,489

Bexhill & Battle (Con) 27,483

Bognor Regis & Littlehampton (Con) 27,479

New Forest West (Con) 27,052

Remaining Devon constituencies in descending order

Torridge & Tavistock (Con) 26,478

Devon South (Lib Dems) 25,829

Tiverton & Minehead (Lib Dems) 25,246

Torbay (Lib Dems) 24,896

Devon North (Lib Dems) 24,481

Newton Abbot (Lib Dems) 24,267 

Devon Central (Con) 23,948 

Devon South West (Con) 23,423 

Exmouth & Exeter East (Con) 22,981

Plymouth Moor View (Lab) 19,230 

Exeter (Lab) 15,398

 Plymouth Sutton & Devonport (Lab) 14,472 

Bottom ten constituencies with least recipients last year

Stratford & Bow (Lab) 8,250

Clapham & Brixton Hill (Lab) 7,903

Leeds Central & Headingley (Lab) 7,792

Bristol Central (Green) 7,576

Bermondsey & Old Southwark (Lab) 7,514

Bethnal Green & Stepney (Lab) 7,506

Sheffield Central (Lab) 7,180

Poplar & Limehouse (Lab) 6,658

Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Lab) 6,367

Manchester Rusholme (Lab) 6,241

He goes on to urge people to engage with the consultation process with East Devon District Council. 

He’s right but here’s how got into this mess.

It’s pure coincidence that last week Owl drew attention, once again, to the role played by Karime Hassan in facilitating the “build, build, build” strategy of the Tory EDDC administrations from 2005 to their collapse in 2020 – see Revolving Doors.

Owl remembers Paul Diviani, alongside the faithful Philip Skinner, as the architect and driving force behind this strategy. It resulted in the current Local Plan having a development target of 950 houses/year, based on an aggressive “jobs led policy on” scenario.  Where studies showed only around 580 houses/year would be required to satisfy purely demographic and normal migration growth trends. 

This is an uplift of 370 or 64% on what is strictly necessary and is the target that the current EDDC coalition has inherited and the basis on which the government thinks reasonable to set its own growth strategy.

On infrastructure, especially provision of sewage treatment, the problem local authorities have is that, although they are the planning authority, they can’t successfully defend an appeal against planning rejection unless supported by the Environment Agency (e.g. phosphate levels in the Axe) or South West Water.

SWW rarely claim they can’t put in the required resources – indeed promised new capacity for Cranbrook.

David Reed MP  text of facebook post six days ago

I am not against home building. Of course we need more homes for the next generation so that they can live near their friends, family and work.

However, we have built at scale in #ExmouthandExeterEast without proper, joined up thinking around infrastructure and the usage of local services.

The fact that people in Cranbrook are only just getting a supermarket, after years of campaigning, is shameful.

We must not put local people in this position again, so please do engage with the consultation process with East Devon District Council.

From my perspective, if new infrastructure and local services are not baked into the planning from the start, I will be strongly pushing back against this proposal.

The two MPs for Honiton and Sidmouth (Richard Foord) and Taunton and Wellington (Gideon Amos) are pressing the case for a new railway station at Wellington and Cullompton. 

Adam Manning www.midweekherald.co.uk 

Gideon Amos and Richard Foord met with the Minister for Rail, Lord Peter Hendy, at his office on September 19, to discuss the Wellington and Cullompton Stations Campaign.

In a joint statement after the meeting, the two MPs said: “We presented a detailed and evidenced case for the project, based on the jobs, housing and growth which would come to the area as a result.

“In response, the Minister listened carefully and was encouraged with the progress made to date and with the initiative taken by the local councils who contributed all the initial funding to get the project off the ground in the first place.

“The Minister promised he would progress the current review of new station and railway projects urgently, and we will continue to push at the highest levels for the reopening of Wellington and Cullompton at every opportunity we get.”

Lord Hendy, formerly chair of Network Rail, told the meeting that the review of projects had been launched because the previous Conservative administration ran up unfunded promises to reopen railways which had created a £2.9billion projected overspend in the Department for Transport alone in the current financial year.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves assured Mr Amos in Parliament in July that the project “will go ahead”.

But announcing a review the next day, Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh said: “Communities up and down the country have been given hope for new transport infrastructure, with no plans or funds to deliver them.

“I am determined that we build the transport infrastructure to drive economic growth and opportunity in every part of the country and to deliver value for money for taxpayers.

“That ambition requires a fundamental reset to how we approach capital projects – with public trust, industry confidence and government integrity at its heart.”

Following today’s meeting Mr Amos added: “I’m determined we see the Wellington station project, first proposed in the House of Commons by my Lib Dem predecessor Jeremy Browne, successfully completed.

“Richard and I will now be working with our respective councils to maximise support for the project and the Minster has agreed to hear further representations from us on this before the review is complete.”